China asks SoKor: Don’t sell fighter jets to Phl

MANILA, Philippines - China asked South Korea not to sell FA-50 fighter jets to the Philippines, according to a report in one of South Korea’s national dailies.

A report in The Chosunilbo yesterday cited Yomuiri Shimbun’s Oct. 18 report that China made the request prior to President Aquino’s state visit to South Korea on Oct. 17.

Korea reportedly declined, saying it cannot accept “interference” in arms exports, which Seoul considers an issue of national interest.

The Philippine and South Korean governments have agreed to fast-track Manila’s procurement of 12 lead-in fighter jets to upgrade the defense capabilities of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Aquino said on Friday the acquisition of the FA-50s for P18.9 billion had the approval of South Korea President Park Geun-hye. He said both sides have agreed to expedite the purchase and delivery of the planes.

The President said it is a government-to-government procurement, which came after South Korea offered several models of fighter jets.

He said Park also thanked him for Manila’s decision to buy the FA-50 jets.

The Chosunilbo also reported that an official of the South Korean government said the sale of the fighter jets to the Philippines would push through.

It added that the South Korean government denied the Yomiuri report, but officials privately admitted it.

Aquino said the Philippines would procure more aircraft as well as armored vehicles and command-and-control equipment to boost the defense capabilities of the military and protect the country’s maritime territory.

Meanwhile, Aquino said there is no change in the plan to purchase 12 fighter jets from South Korea.

“I have no information on that matter,” he told reporters in a chance interview at Solaire Resort and Casino, where he was the guest of honor of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI), referring to reports that China advised South Korea against the sale.  – With Delon Porcalla