00:00 General Romeo Bronner back from the Fiji Island in the South Pacific
00:04 where he took part in the annual gathering of regional military leaders
00:08 co-hosted by the United States.
00:11 Since China sent a delegation for the first time,
00:14 Bronner took the chance to reiterate Manila's stance
00:17 over the recent hostile actions in the West Philippine Sea.
00:21 Even the video of the water canoning of our resupply ships,
00:27 I saw there, so they were surprised.
00:30 Bronner says while a defiant China insisted its control
00:33 over the entire South China Sea,
00:36 it also agreed to a consensus to avoid resorting to aggressive actions
00:41 in asserting territorial claims.
00:43 The gathering came just days as Manila prepares for a new round
00:47 of resupply mission in the Ayungin Shoal.
00:49 Amid concerns, Beijing will insist on its sea blockades.
00:54 Definitely, we are going to perform another resupply mission.
00:59 It's been over two weeks since the China Coast Guard blocked
01:02 and fired water cannon on Philippine vessels delivering food
01:06 and other supplies to troops stationed in an outpost in Ayungin Shoal.
01:11 Citing security concerns, no details were made available
01:14 on the next resupply mission but officials say it's already due.
01:18 The Navy and Coast Guard accordingly are ready in case China again
01:23 resorts to hawkish acts.
01:26 If we read the statements of their deputy chief,
01:31 their stance is really firm.
01:36 Meanwhile, Bronner denies any knowledge on plans of the United States,
01:40 Japan and Australia to hold joint maritime drills in the South China Sea.
01:45 And while he did confirm the warships of the three allied nations
01:48 are on their way to Manila, this was just coincidental.
01:53 But as far as we are concerned, we don't know where this came from.
01:58 And that per coordination with our counterparts,
02:01 there is no exercise among these three nations.
02:06 Bronner says American and Japanese ships are scheduled for a routine port visit
02:11 while an Australian warship HMAS Canberra is taking part in the first ever
02:16 Allen exercise with joint amphibious drills in Palawan and other parts of Luzon.
02:22 David Santos, CNN Philippines.
Comments