PHL military to sign logistics deal with China

The Philippine military is set to sign a logistical agreement with China, a move aimed at strengthening the relations between the two Asian nations. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said the signing would be among the agenda of AFP chief Gen. Ricardo David when he flies to Beijing on Tuesday. Mabanta said while in China, David, who will be accompanied by AFP Inspector General Vice Admiral Mario Catacutan, will meet with the chief of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the head of China’s Ministry of Defense. “He (David) will be also signing a logistical agreement. This will come in very handy especially for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This means that there will be logistics that may be forthcoming from our friends from mainland China," said Mabanta at a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo on Monday. Chinese donations to the Philippine military in the past had been limited to construction equipment, the latest of which was the over P172 million worth of engineering equipment that were delivered last month. Mabanta said they are confident that the meeting and the signing will not cause a negative impact on their relations with the US, which has been extending military assistance to the AFP for years but does not have a harmonious relationship with China. “The Philippine Armed Forces, in as much as it really lacks funds and equipment, is ready and willing to accept equipment and much needed resources from any donor countries. This includes China, of course," Mabanta said. “The Armed Forces looks up to any donor country which is willing to provide resources, equipment to the ill-equipped Armed Forces of the Philippines," he added. However, Mabanta was uncertain if David would discuss with the Chinese military and defense officials the disputed Spratlys Islands in the South China. The Spratlys is being claimed in part or in whole by Philippines, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. China recently protested the AFP’s plans to improve some of its structures at the Pagasa island, a part of the Spratlys that is being occupied by Filipino forces. - KBK, GMANews.TV