Zubiri: Holding joint military exercises with China is like committing suicide

Following his call to boycott Chinese companies and products amid China's harassment in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Friday joint military exercises with China would be like committing suicide.

"Imagine nag-offer po sila na mag-joint patrol at training kasama ng ating military. Pambihira naman kung ginawa natin iyan. Parang nag-suicide po tayo," Zubiri said in a radio interview.

"Kapag ginawa po natin iyon, malalaman na nila ang sikreto natin na kapag gusto na nilang i-takeover ang ating bansa, wala pang isang linggo tapos na ang boksing. Sabi ko, hindi pwede iyan," the Senate President added.

GMA News Online asked the Chinese Embassy to comment on Zubiri's remarks, but they have yet to respond as of posting time.

In July, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. disclosed that China offered to hold joint military exercises with the Philippines.

He said he would study the offer presented to him by China's ambassador to Manila, Huang Xilian, on the sidelines of an event to mark the anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

However, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Department of Foreign Affairs had yet to be involved in any joint patrol discussions.

Zubiri said he was eyeing to talk with Brawner to discuss the possible removal of cell towers owned by China-backed companies inside Philippine military bases and the return of Filipino cadets allegedly sent to a military school in China.

"Ako po ay makikipag-meeting din po kay Gen. Brawner, ang ating AFP Chief-of-staff, na tanggalin na iyon (cell towers) dahil baka may CCTV doon, nakikita nila kapag lumalabas ang tropa ng kampo, patay na tayo 'di ba?" he said.

Further, Zubiri also said there was a need to revisit State Grid of China shares in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

Last Monday, Zubiri delivered a privilege speech slamming China's harassment in the WPS after the Chinese Coast Guard trained a water cannon at a Philippine supply vessel on its way to Ayungin Shoal, saying that it "illegally" entered its waters. — DVM, GMA Integrated News