Palace, DND downplay brewing PHL-China tensions over Spratlys

A Chinese ship and a Philippine vessel now sailing toward the disputed Spratly islands are ordinary occurrences and should not be cause for alarm or protest, Philippine officials said Friday.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Department of National Defense Undersecretary Eduardo Batac said in a report on GMA News's "24 Oras" that China and the Philippines have coastal areas they are “supposed to patrol," so he does not see any cause for protesting China’s move to deploy its largest civilian ship. While China’s modernized Haixun 31 marine survey vessel goes to Singapore for what Beijing officials say is a “normal visit," the Philippine Navy sends its 1940s-era BRP Rajah Humabon on patrol. Batac said the Rajah Humabon could hardly be considered a sign of posturing because it “is an old frigate… aging ship." Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte adds that “there’s no cause for alarm" because Haixun 31’s trip to Singapore “is something that happens ordinarily" for a civilian ship. Retired Commodore Rex Robles downplayed the latest moves of Beijing, saying that the combination of the Spratlys great distance from its shores and its lack of a strong presence in the disputed seas is a “big problem for China." Meanwhile, political analyst Bobby Tuazon warned that the Spratlys dispute is an “opportunity" for military suppliers “to create the need" for more military exercises and purchases of arms. — ELR/VS, GMA News