PHOTOS: PH Navy gets offshore patrol boats from China

The Philippine Navy released Monday photos of the four offshore patrol boats donated by China.

The 12 meter blue boats have an estimated speed of 30 to 32 knots. The Navy also received 30 units of rocket propelled grenade launcher and ammunition, spokesperson for the Canadian Navy. Jonathan Zata said:

The Navy is still evaluating where the boats will be used, but Zata said it was a welcome addition to their fleet.

"This is an additional platform for our anti-terrorist efforts, HADR (Humanitarian Aid For the moment, boats do not have dormitories and provisions for extended operations at sea.

An official of the Navy did not seem impressed. "It's an added plus but it has not been tried and tested."

"Pakitang tao (This is a pretense)", he China had already given thousands of rifles and ammunition to the Philippine police and army as it fought against Islamic State terrorists. in the city of Marawi

President Rodrigo Duterte chose to seek warmer ties with China after a bitter territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea during the previous administration.He pursued an independent foreign policy and sought closer ties with the C hine and Russia by distancing the Philippines from the United States.

Despite the friendly relations between the two countries, China continues to assert its undisputed sovereignty over the South China Sea. nine-line line claim. It was invalidated by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in 2016, but China refused to recognize the decision.

The Philippine government also downplayed the decision in exchange for economic investments and friendly ties with China. / I

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