NATO Task Force Set to Arrive in Indo-Pacific Region
A multinational NATO task force, including an aircraft carrier from Great Britain, is preparing to sail to the Indo-Pacific region to address increasing tensions caused by China’s assertive actions. This deployment marks a significant move as it involves various NATO member countries from Europe and North America joining forces in support of regional security.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the arrival date of this NATO task force remains undisclosed, but the Philippine Navy has expressed strong support for this international presence. This will be the first time a European-led task force with an aircraft carrier operates in the Indo-Pacific, signaling a broader global stance against territorial intimidation.
“It’s no longer the ASEAN that is involved here, it’s already the whole world standing against China, against the Chinese Communist Party,” a Philippine Navy spokesperson remarked. “We will support the stand of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, we will support international law in the West Philippine Sea.”
Details of the NATO Task Force Deployment
The British Royal Navy reported that nearly 4,000 personnel are supporting this eight-month mission, which began last month with the HMS Prince of Wales departing from Portsmouth, England. Sources indicate that the task force may engage in multilateral maritime cooperative activities (MMCA) alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Let’s just wait for things to unfold. We do not announce in advance our operations, but the moment these are finalized, we will have a public affairs release,” the Philippine Navy representative said.
China’s Pattern of Harassment Following Allied Activities
The Philippine Navy has observed a recurring pattern: after joint maritime exercises with allied nations, Chinese vessels often respond with aggressive maneuvers. For example, following the sixth bilateral maritime cooperative activity between the Philippines and the United States on May 20, a China Coast Guard ship fired a water cannon and sideswiped a Philippine fisheries vessel near Pag-asa Cay on May 21.
“The pattern that we have observed is whenever we have multilateral or bilateral maritime cooperative activity, it will be followed by a water cannon attack,” a senior naval official explained. “If there’s another country performing an MCA with us, the Chinese behave. But after the MCA, they will perform an aggressive action.”
Filipino Resolve Against Intimidation
Despite China’s aggressive tactics, Philippine authorities remain steadfast. A senior naval official emphasized the nation’s resilience, quoting, “Ang Pilipino over history tayo ang isa sa pinakamabait na tao. But on the other hand, tayo naman ang isa sa pinakamabangis kapag inapakan ‘yung ating karapatan. So pinapakita natin sa Chinese Communist Party eh wag niyo kaming basta bastusin sapagkat look at our history, we do not back down from challenges to our rights.”
He assured that joint operations with allied countries will continue in the West Philippine Sea despite provocations. Reports show a significant increase in maritime cooperative activities, with only three conducted in 2023 but already eight or nine held in just the first half of 2024.
“These activities will keep increasing,” said the official, highlighting the growing international support for Philippine maritime security.
For more news and updates on NATO task force deployment, visit Filipinokami.com.