AFP says it’s ready to implement code of conduct in South China Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday assured that it is ready to carry out any agreements reached in the proposed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

In a press briefing held at Camp Aguinaldo, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, responded to questions regarding the AFP's role in enforcing the code, which is currently under high level discussions in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN).

"Whatever comes out of the Code of Conduct, the AFP is prepared to implement," said Trinidad, underscoring the military’s readiness to adapt to the outcomes of regional diplomatic negotiations.

The COC aims to establish formal rules among claimant states in the South China Sea, including the Philippines and China, in order to avoid conflict and manage tensions in the disputed maritime territory.

During the same briefing, Trinidad addressed a number of additional topics, including the future deployment of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific. 

When asked if it was the first time a Royal Navy aircraft carrier was sailing inside Philippine waters, the admiral replied, "The previous activity of the UK Navy was in 2021 when they sent their other aircraft carrier into the Indo-Pacific region."

He also noted the AFP has submitted its position and demands for compensation related to equipment damaged in recent maritime confrontations. 

“But again the Armed Forces of the Philippines has submitted its position and its demand for such payment on the cost of this equipment brought about by this incident during the (Rotation and Resupply or RORE missions),” he said, adding that further details should be deferred to the Department of Foreign Affairs. —RF, GMA Integrated News