Brawner says joint exercises with China looks ‘murky’

Metro Manila, Philippines — The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said China’s proposed joint military exercises and patrols with the Philippines are unlikely.

The proposed joint military exercises with the Philippines was pitched in July. However, details are still indefinite.

Gen. Romeo Brawner said the country’s memorandum of agreement on defense cooperation has been existing since 2004. Since then, the military has been sending over Filipino officers and enlisted personnel for schooling in China.

Although given China’s aggression in the South China Sea, the government has halted sending over these officers.

Brawner also said China should stop what he called coercive and dangerous tactics in the disputed waters when the military are resupplying their stations in islands and occupied features like the Ayungin Shoal.

The military chief also says proposals from China could still be studied, reflecting President Marcos’ independent foreign policy.