MANILA — The Philippines will participate in the first naval exercise between ASEAN member states and the People’s Republic of China, which will take place in Zhanjiang from Oct. 22 to 29.
This was confirmed by Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in an interview with reporters Monday.
“The proposal for a joint ASEAN and Chinese (naval) exercise was submitted in February of this year during the ADMM (in) Singapore or at the Asean Defense Ministers Meeting. It was proposed to the body and approved, so hence, it was scheduled,” he added.
Andolong, however, said they have yet to determine the exact Philippine Navy (PN) ship the country will be deploying.
“As of the moment, we are still not certain as to which vessel we’ll be sending to the exercise,” he added.
The defense spokesperson also stressed that it is quite possible that PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, will join the event.
Andolong said that it is possible the exercise would center on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and anti-piracy and improvement of the Conduct of Unplanned Encounters at Sea. (/PNA)
