By: Rahel-U
Based on the report of the Yomiuri Shimbun on Saturday, China made a request to Korea not to sell FA-50 fighter jets to the Philippines. The request was made ahead of a summit in Seoul between President Park Geun-hye and Philippines President Benigno Aquino on Oct. 17.
Korea declined to accept the request and said they cannot accept "intervention" in arms international trades, a subject of its national interest. Instead, Park expressed his gratitude to Aquino for Manila’s decision to buy the FA-50 jets and even insisted an immediate signing of the contract.
The Philippine government has not negatively responded to the said report, but in fact, it formally denied the Yomiuri report although some private officials acknowledge it. It is said that the Philippines and China are facing an issue on territorial claim over the Spratly Islands, and that seems to be a reason why Beijing objected several times through the Chinese Embassy. It was also noticed that a report about FA-50 sale was published from both Korean and Filipino media, China responded sensitively trying to get for verification.
The Spratly Islands consist of around 30,000 tiny islands and reefs and surrounded by four nations, including China, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines which all have been claiming for its right over it. Each of these 4 countries is protecting their rights on the Spratly territorial claim.
Speculation roused that Philippines is acquiring FA-50 jets to use as the defense force for Spratly Islands. The FA-50 is a light attack fighter jet based on the T-50 trainer jet. And it can afford for an air-to-air and air-to-ground operations as well as taking on the gunboats.
To strengthen their presence in Spratly Island, China has dispatched Navy ships to the South China Sea while Philippines increased naval troop presence on the islands late last year and assigned a separate military command to handle their defense. Recently, Manila decided to move some of its naval and air force bases near the South China Sea to serve as additional security.
Aside from the FA-50, the Philippines is making a deal with Korea to purchase Korean-made frigates worth of US$650 million. China is also engaged in territorial disputes in the South China Sea with
Indonesia on the other hand, signed a contract in 2011 to buy 16 T-50 trainers for $400 million as well as three 1,200-ton submarines. Vietnam also held its first military talks with Korea last year to increase collaboration in the field of weaponry.
Photo credit: greendef
