The naval exercises are part of China's power projection in the South China Sea region. (Photo : www.wikimapia.org)
The Philippines' new navy chief Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad may have unintentionally justified the activities of the People's Liberation Army Navy in the South China Sea by stating that "no expansion is happening" and that China is just guarding its own interests in the region.
Taccad's remarks took place during the ceremony on Monday wherein he accepted his new post.
"It's much heated before. I think we are in a better position now," Taccad said about the naval situation of China and the Spratly Islands. "We are communicating with China and more or less not as threatened as before. You know what they are trying to do and we try to maintain more or less peaceful co-existence or settlement of what issue we have."
"They have been there for a long time and they are guarding what they think is their interest in the South China Sea. No expansion is happening. They are just pursuing their interest," he added.
The comments contradicted Philippine President Benigno Aquino III's previous comments that condemn China's land reclamation activities and military construction in the Spratys. Aquino was present during the ceremony.
Taccad's statements also contradict those of Congressman Ashley Acedillo, who claims that a Chinese coast guard ship is now permanently positioned near Second Thomas Shoal, where the BRP Sierra Madre is located.
The BRP Sierra Madre has been grounded there since it ran aground in 1999 and has served as an outpost ever since. China claims the vessel was run aground on purpose to strengthen its presence in the islands.
In the past, the Philippines has sent wooden fishing boats to send supplies to BRP Sierra Madre for repairs.
Despite Taccad's claims, the overall message of his statement was that he would defend the "West Philippine Sea" from Chinese naval powers.
According to Philippine Administrative Order No. 29, the west of the Philippines that is currently being claimed as part of the country's exclusive economic zone, including the Spratlys, is known as the "West Philippine Sea."
