‘Military buildup plans in Batanes none of China’s business’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) issued a rebuke to China over its recent critical comment on the declared plans of the Philippine government to build up military infrastructure in its northernmost islands of Batanes.

In a statement issued Feb. 10, the DND said that Batanes is Philippine territory and China has no business warning the Philippines over plans within its territory.

“We are pursuing a Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept to address our vulnerabilities and enhance our capability to defend our national interest through certain long term plans, which include upgrades in our facilities and deployment of personnel,” the DND said in the statement reiterating that it is the department’s mandate to secure the sovereignty of the state and integrity of the national territory.

“China’s pronouncements and acts are the main reasons for its low credibility with the Filipino people,” it noted. “China should refrain from engaging in provocative rhetoric and activities if it truly wants to earn the widespread trust and respect that it is trying so hard to gain but has, so far, been unable to.”