Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Tuesday disclosed that China's recent aggressive actions against the Philippine resupply mission at Ayungin (Second Thomas) shoal in the West Philippine Sea was among the topics he discussed with the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Brown, in a phone call.
"We had a good conversation, marami kaming napagusapan at lalong lalo na dahil sila ay treaty ally natin (we have discussed many topics especially that they are our treaty ally) so we had the right to have a conversation between two partners, two allies and he is my counterpart in the US armed forces," Brawner told defense reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
According to a readout provided by the Office of the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Public Affairs, Brown and Brawner have agreed to continue close consultation on regional security.
Brawner said they discussed various topics that interest both the US and the Philippines, including the ongoing implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, joint maritime and air patrols as well as the US-Philippines annual Balikatan Exercises.
The AFP chief also disclosed that the US has offered to continuously support the Philippines in its regular resupply mission in the WPS amid increasing tensions in the area.
Asked how did US viewed the recent actions of China against Filipino vessels in the WPS, Brawner said Brown expressed concern about such harassment being done in the Philippines' territorial waters.
"Para sa kanya talagang nakakabahala itong nangyayari, 'yung harassment ng china (For him, China's harassment is alarming) and they are closely watching. In fact, they gave a statement of support not only to the Armed Forces of the Philippines but to the Philippines in general," he said.
Brawner was part of the resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on Sunday when the China Coast Guard tried to block Philippine resupply boats by attacking with water cannons.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea condemned such dangerous maneuvers and called it as a "serious escalation" of WPS tension.
The high-ranking military chiefs further discussed the mutual strategic security interests and opportunities for increased military cooperation, including enhancing maritime cooperation, improving interoperability and information sharing, and increasing training and exercises.