AN Australian academic expert on defense and security has proposed that the Philippines government build military bases in the Pag-asa Island and other features, in the face of increasing China aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Dr. Carlyle Thayer, PhD, professor emeritus at the University of New South Wales and Australian Defense Force Academy, has also suggested to the Marcos Jr. administration to strengthen military cooperation with Australia and Japan.
In a recent talk organized by the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS), a peaceful, non- partisan and transglobal organization that advocates for the preservation of Philippines sovereignty and territorial integrity, Thayer said placing military bases in Pag-asa island and other features in the West Philippine Sea would be a major demonstration of Philippine sovereignty over the region.
Pag-asa Island, internationally known as Thitu, is the largest in the Kalayaan Island Group, serving as the seat of the local government of Kalayaan municipality, Palawan Province and home to more than 400.
It is 277 miles from Puerto Princesa City and 579 miles from Manila.
He also suggested expanding the treaties with Japan, Australia, and the U.S. and emphasized the formulation of procedures in handling the presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels.
“It is imperative that signatories of these treaties clarify and present the same position to China that this is unacceptable behavior” referring to China’s illegal military presence all over the South China Sea.
Thayer stressed that treaties like the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) provide defense consultation, collaboration, capability building for maritime security, and serve as deterrence against Chinese aggression in the region.
Thayer believes the three accords “allow for more frequent visits of the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard to tense regions. This also serves as an opportunity for holding more naval drills and activities with countries like the United States, who in turn can help resupply critical units like in Ayungin Shoal.”
He admitted that from an Australian perspective, “EDCA, SOFA, and the MDT are provocative to China because it serves as a threat to their illegal occupation in the region. There is no ground for neutrality in China’s massive military threat. Don’t trust Chinese intentions.”
In February, the China embassy in Manila was apparently infuriated upon knowing of the planned expansion of EDCA to four more sites, warning that it “will seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability.”
Last March 22, President Ferdinand Marcos allowed the US access to four more locations aside from the five existing sites under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
“There are four extra sites scattered around the Philippines – there are some in the north, there are some around Palawan, there are some further south,” Marcos Jr told reporters at the sidelines of the 126th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
During the webinar in March 11, as Thayer was about to answer questions from participants, a voice was heard saying unclear statements and the screen sharing features popped up lewd images forcing the organizers to stop the event.
Whether this was politically motivated against the NYMWPS, a simple prank, or an attack against the professor himself, Thayer later told NYMWPS officials that this is a sign that the group’s efforts have been effective in standing up to its adversaries and advised the group to just continue its mission and goals.
