The Philippines vs Bullies, what shall we do about it?

[Passport]

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President Aquino on Tuesday announced a $1.8-billion military upgrade to help defend the country’s maritime territory against “bullies,” amid an ever-worsening dispute with China.

In thinly veiled comments referring to China, Aquino vowed during a speech to mark the Philippine Navy’s 115th anniversary that the Armed Forces would be given the resources necessary to protect Philippine sovereignty.

“We have a clear message to the world: The Philippines is for Filipinos, and we have the capability to resist bullies entering our backyard,” Aquino told naval chiefs.

Aquino detailed a P75-billion ($1.82 billion) military modernization program that gives priority to upgrading the Navy, which is one of the weakest in Southeast Asia. China announced in March its defense budget for 2013 would be about $115 billion.


Read more: Aquino bares AFP buildup vs

[monroy]

It is important to have a strong military. But it's more important to have a strong economy, as it is the only way to afford a strong military. You can't spend money you don't have...

[Passport]

As long as Imperial Manila controls most the Philippines, I have to say that the future is bleak for this country.

...only the strong can keep peace...

[reptoid]

National defense is less of a priority than personal enrichment for those holding the purse strings. Islanders with no credible navy.... where has the money gone? We all know the answer and most of realize that change will remain a fantasy until we see an overhaul in the system of public spending.

[monroy]

National defense is less of a priority than personal enrichment for those holding the purse strings. Islanders with no credible navy.... where has the money gone? We all know the answer and most of realize that change will remain a fantasy until we see an overhaul in the system of public spending.

Yes, but it's not necessary to match defense spending of these cashed-up countries to build a credible defense (and I don't think it's possible anyway). But it's important to have a semi-decent military so that you at least have the ability to contribute to any security alliance between smaller nations. I believe the only way forward is cooperation within ASEAN. If you look beyond the Philippine-Taiwan dispute we can even realize that Taiwan is in truth a potential ally against China rather than an enemy. This is how we should think--strategically. We can't fight wars against all the countries around us and expect to win against a bigger threat. It's all about priorities, and smaller nations will never be able to win any war by themselves. Regional cooperation is critical as counterbalance to the looming threat of Asia's great bully.

[reptoid]

Yes, but it's not necessary to match defense spending of these cashed-up countries to build a credible defense (and I don't think it's possible anyway). But it's important to have a semi-decent military so that you at least have the ability to contribute to any security alliance between smaller nations. I believe the only way forward is cooperation within ASEAN. If you look beyond the Philippine-Taiwan dispute we can even realize that Taiwan is in truth a potential ally against China rather than an enemy. This is how we should think--strategically. We can't fight wars against all the countries around us and expect to win against a bigger threat. It's all about priorities, and smaller nations will never be able to win any war by themselves. Regional cooperation is critical as counterbalance to the looming threat of Asia's great bully.

Agreed... a united ASEAN is our best protection and we need a minimum level of military capability to deter aggression and contribute in a meaningful way to regional security. China must be delighted by our spat with Taiwan, we are stupid for allowing matters to get out of hand when we know full well that they are trying to splinter any unity among claimants.

[monroy]

Agreed... a united ASEAN is our best protection and we need a minimum level of military capability to deter aggression and contribute in a meaningful way to regional security. China must be delighted by our spat with Taiwan, we are stupid for allowing matters to get out of hand when we know full well that they are trying to splinter any unity among claimants.

You can also see how China is afraid of ASEAN because it tries its best to divide the member countries. It's pouring in billions of dollars into Cambodia, its proxy disruptor in ASEAN. Hun Sen is practically a puppet government to China as his continued hold in Cambodia depends largely on Chinese funds flow continuously into Cambodia... China is using this to show ASEAN that cooperation with China has great rewards. But it's a trap.. Chinese investment come with strings attached...

[<SMILE>]

The primary purpose of arming ourselves is for defense purposes,
we should not be vulnerable against threats.
The 1.8billion dollars would do a lot if we would consider
the geographical dimensions of the borders, I'm just hoping
that the entire budget would be translated into what it is
intended for and would not end up buying luxury cars.

[Passport]

is this all we have?

[Code Talker]

ang budget adto ra gihapon e palit sa China ug equipment.