Philippine-China Relations, 2025

June 25, 2025: Philippines can’t Match China’s Air Force, and DND Decision on the MRF Acquisition to be “very soon” as per the Chief of the PAF

The Chief of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Lieutenant General Arthur Cordova, recently told the Press that the PAF will not be able to match China's Air Force even after a couple of Decades, and that the Decision for their acquisition of Multi-Role Fighter (MRF) Aircraft will be made soon. 

Quoting from him directly, "If we are comparing ourselves to the Threat in the Region, let’s say China, we cannot be at par with China even 10 to 20 Years from now, that’s the reality here. They will think twice if you have GBADS (Ground-based Air Defense System), if you have Shooters, if you have Multi-Role Fighters". 

Regarding their MRF, he said, "it’s already waiting a decision from our Department (DND) and it will be very soon".

MY THOUGHTS:

I think it’s great that we have a PAF Chief that is pragmatic or realistic enough to admit our Limits as a Country, but I do feel a bit sorry for him now since I am almost sure that the Doggie “Arf-Arfs” of the United States (US) will start going after him for saying this. 

The US and their Dogs want our Country to continuously hate China so we will willingly help in the Defense of Taiwan since the Philippines is the next nearest Country to Taiwan after China. 

As per the 2025 World’s Air Forces List of the Flight Global Website, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) of China has 120 H-6 long-range Bomber Aircraft, 387 J-7 Fighter Bomber Aircraft, 319 Flanker-type Air Superiority Aircraft and another 246 J-10 Vigorous Dragon Multi-Role Aircraft in its Inventory.

As for the MRF Decision coming soon, that is very good News indeed, finally after at least a Decade or so of waiting, we will finally get it. And as I said before, I think it is believable this time around as I suspect that they are timing this so it will be included as an “Accomplishment” in Bong Bong Marcos’ (BBM) upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), which will be at the end of next Month of July 2025. 

SOURCES:

* ‘The Reality is, PH can’t match China’s Air Force’ {Archived Link}

* 2025 Flight Global World’s Air Forces {Archived Link}

April 20, 2025: BBM quietly raised Tensions in the SCS by sending a Naval Ship, the BRP Mabini to Panatag Shoal to provoke China

The Spokesperson of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China, Zhao Zhiwei, said that they managed to Track, Monitor and then Warned off the BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) Corvette of the Philippine Navy (PN) recently as it entered the Territorial Waters of Huangyan Dao without the approval of the Chinese Government. 

Quoting Dao's directly: "We solemnly warn the Philippine Side to immediately cease infringement and provocation. Otherwise, all consequences arising therefrom will be borne by the Philippine Side. The Troops of the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command will remain on high alert to resolutely defend China's National Sovereignty and Security, and resolutely maintain Peace and Stability in the South China Sea Region”. 

You can read the Article at the “China Military” Website: http://eng.chinamil.com.cn/BILINGUAL/News_209203/16381729.html

MY NOTES:

“Huangyan Dao” by the Way is “Scarborough Shoal” in English, or “Bajo de Masinloc” in Spanish, or “Panatag Shoal” in Filipino. The Government of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) has quietly raised the Tension in the South China Sea (SCS) by sending a Navy Ship there, and of course by sending a Military Ship there, the response will be Military also. 

Notice that it was the PLA this time that responded to this latest Incident, and not the China Coast Guard (CCG). I can only remember that the last time the Philippines sent a Naval Ship to Panatag Shoal was back in 2012 under the former Administration of Benigno Aquino III. 

So this sort of confirms just how similar PNoy and the 'Bangag' are now, not only in Terms of their Incompetence, but also in Terms of their vastly flawed Foreign Policy. 

For Years since he took Power, BBM has been provoking China on the SCS Issue, apparently using it as a Distraction and hoping that the Filipino People won’t think about the Failures of his Government and just think about fighting “China” instead. 

He activated and increased the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States (US), allowed the US’ Typhon Mid-Range Capability (MRC) Missile System to be stationed in the Philippines and his Military and Defense Officials are constantly talking openly against China, hoping to provoke them even further. 

And now BBM has allowed the US Marine Corps (USMC) to install their Anti-Ship and Anti-Air Missile Systems here. It has been one constant Anti-China and Pro-US escalating Step after the other. And now as his Approval and Trust Ratings fall down even further, he is hoping to provoke China even more. 

All this is of course just very bad News for the Philippines, being orchestrated by a Government which has already lost the Trust of its People. Remember that China is not the only Rival Claimant we have in the SCS, but they are the only ones that the US wants the Philippines to fight, and not the others. Hence China is being constantly goaded while the others being silently appeased. 

SOURCE: Chinese Navy expels Philippine Corvette for illegally intruding into Territorial Waters of China's Huangyan Dao {Archived Link}

Mig-23 on Metalstorm Review: The King of Slashing Attacks – February 2025

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I recently unlocked the Mig-23 Fighter Aircraft on the “Metalstorm” Fighter Plane Video Game, and it seems that they really simulated it in the Game to be almost the same as it is in Real Life, mainly because it is a pretty poor Dogfighter in a Turning Fight. 

The real Mig-23 had a very Poor reputation as a Fighter Aircraft, and has a poor, unofficial actual Combat Record, with some estimates it being shot down around four times as much as the number of Aircraft it shot down. 

The MetalStorm Fighter Aircraft Game

October 14, 2025: My J-10 Vigorous Dragon Fighter Aircraft on MetalStorm with a new Camouflage Paint Job and AFP Roundel

Just showing off my J-10 Menglong (Vigorous Dragon) Fighter Aircraft on the MetalStorm Fighter Aircraft Game with its new Paint Job, I think this is based on the ones that were sold to Pakistan. It also has the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Roundel as it exists hopefully in an alternate Universe where our Country has better Sense and is more progressive as it is allied with China. 

The J-10 is now Combat-proven, and has managed to even shoot down at least one Rafale Aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) earlier this Year of 2025. 

May 1, 2025: I finally got China’s J-10 Vigorous Dragon Aircraft in the “MetalStorm” Game, decorated it with the Philippine Air Force Roundel

Some Good News, first of all I was finally able to get the Chinese-made J-10 Menglong or Vigorous Dragon Fighter Aircraft the “MetalStorm” Video Game. Second, at about the same time, I was also able to collect enough Gold Credits to finally unlock or buy the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Roundel in the Game. 

And the Result is what you see now, which is the J-10 with the PAF Roundel. I’d like to believe that this actually exists in an Alternate Reality where the Philippines is closely allied with China instead of the United States (US), and as a result is as progressive as our other South East Asian (SEA) Neighbors who are also closely allied with China. 

China therefore gave us a good Deal for at least a Squadron of these J-10s at a Price that is much more reasonable than what the US is selling us in this Reality. 

In the MetalStorm Game, the J-10 is a pretty good Aircraft, with good Agility and high Turn Rate. The only Issue with it is that I cannot really fully use its special “Look and Shoot” short-range Missiles that allow it to be locked at up to 80 degrees from the Direction of the Aircraft. 

I am still trying to figure out how to use it best, so I am not able to optimize its Ability. But as it is, it is a pretty good Aircraft to have in the Game with four short-range Missiles and two medium-range Missiles. 

Movie and Series Reviews, 2025

February 10, 2025: Surviving Black Hawk Down (2025) Limited Documentary Series Review

This is a pretty good Limited Documentary Series on Netflix which is produced by no less than Ridley Scott, the Director of the Movie “Black Hawk Down” that was released back in 2001. It tells the Story of “The Battle of Mogadishu” where two Black Hawk Helicopters of the United States (US) Army were shot down in 1993. 

Great to see the Series interview not only the US Side but also those on the Somali Side as well, and great to see many Pictures and Videos being shown that were likely not shown anywhere else before. There’s just three Episodes ranging from 47 to 57 minutes long, and the Storytelling was pretty good that I watch all of it in just one Evening. 

I highly recommend this, especially for Military Enthusiasts as it shows some valuable Lessons about what really happened during that Event which is already three Decades ago. The People that were involved in that Battle who were in their twenties when it happened are now in their fifties, just shows how fast time flies. 

On a Side Note, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) itself now operates the Black Hawk Helicopter, and will be the largest Operator of the S-70i Variant of that Aircraft once the Deliveries are completed by next Year of 2026.

Here is the Link to the “Surviving Black Hawk Down” Series on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/ph-en/title/81737703

SOURCE: Surviving Black Hawk Down – Netflix {Archived Link}

November 23, 2024: Pantheon (2022) Season One Animated Series Review

I decided not to post the usual Stuff today because I am currently binge-watching the Science Fiction (SciFi) Technothriller “Pantheon” which just dropped on Netflix very recently. The first one or so Episodes were somewhat derivative and predictable, the usual Stuff about the uploading of Human Consciousness into Computers which is a relatively common Themes nowadays in SciFi Movies and Series. 

However, as the Series develops, it becomes a lot better, with decent Characterizations and nice Twists. The World-building is also quite detailed and the Writer really dug in deep into the Theme and came up with some really Thought-provoking Angles on the Topic. 

Don’t let the Fact that this is an Animated Series make you think not to take this Series seriously, it does have a very Adult Theme, and even goes quite dark in some Spots. This is one of the very best SciFi Thrillers I have recently, it is Outstanding and it is a Must-Watch for me.

Here is the Link to the Series on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/ph-en/title/81937398

SOURCE: Pantheon on Netflix {Archived Link}

OUR SEA NEIGHBORS: Vietnam, 2025

October 16, 2025: Vietnam again insists they own the Spratly Islands after the Philippines and China had a Vessel Collision near Pag-Asa Island

No less than the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Vietnam, Pham Thu Hang called on both the Philippines and China to recognize her Country's Ownership of the Spratly Islands after being asked to react to the recent Incident where Philippine and Chinese Vessels collided near Pag-Asa Island.

Vietnam calls the Spratly Islands Group as "Truong Sa" while they call Pag-Asa Island as "Thi Tu". Hang said that Vietnam has solid Historical and Legal Basis on its Ownership of the Spratlys Islands. 

MY THOUGHTS:

Another clear Example of how the Philippine Press and the Government ignores Vietnam’s Claims in the South China Sea (SCS) to APPEASE them. The Philippine Press doesn’t want the Filipino People to know how assertive Vietnam is towards their Claims in the SCS. 

But this is ignored by both the Philippine Press and Government because they don’t want to quarrel with Vietnam, only China because that’s what the United States (US) wants. The Philippines doesn’t want to argue over Territory with Vietnam, only China. 

This apparently is especially true for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), who seem to just keep quiet when dealing with Vietnam whenever they have visits to or from the Vietnamese Military. On the other Hand, they don’t seem to do the same with China where it looks like they challenge them verbally every Chance they get. 

And that is how the US and Philippines manipulate the Relations Story of China and Vietnam, they keep quiet with Vietnam, but very noisy against China. And when China strikes back, they say China is “Aggressive”. 

But since they keep quiet against Vietnam, then there is nothing for Vietnam to react to or be aggressive about. Clear Manipulation and Propaganda.

SOURCES:

* Vietnam urges respect for Sovereignty after Spratly Clash between China, Philippines {Archived Link}

* Vietnam reaffirms Sovereignty over Spratlys after China-Philippine Vessel Clash {Archived Link}

2025-08-10: China and Vietnam Armies conduct their first-ever Joint Training Exercises in China, Vietnam brought along their STV-380 Rifle

The Armies of China and Vietnam recently conducted their first ever Joint Training Exercise at the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China. The Troops from both Countries initially showed to each other their Wheeled Vehicles, Light Arms, Reconnaissance Equipment, Drones, Protective Devices, etc. 

The Training will mainly cover Joint Patrol Exercises, and will cover four Main Aspects, which are Joint Reconnaissance, Joint Fire Strike, Joint Rescue and Joint Logistic Support. 

The Subjects covered will include Camouflaged Reconnaissance, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Reconnaissance, Live-Fire Shooting and Rescue of the Wounded. The two Sides will also conduct Exchanges, Visits and Cultural Activities. 

MY THOUGHTS:

Remember again that both China and Vietnam still have unresolved Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea (SCS) like the Philippines, but those two Sides choose to remain close not only Economically but also Militarily instead of antagonizing each other.

Joint Military Training like this with China is now unimaginable under this Administration of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) as he has basically mobilized his entire Government to speak out and antagonize China at every Opportunity they get. 

I also saw many Posts about this Exercise pointing out how Vietnam brought along their own home-made STV-380 Assault Rifle which is based on the AK Platform and is chambered in the 7.62 x 39 mm caliber. Yes, unlike us, the Vietnamese Army uses a Service Rifle something which are manufactured in their Country.

SOURCE:

* China-Vietnam Joint Army Training kicks off {Archived Link}

China to help build 3 Railway Lines in Vietnam, one of which is funded by and will link to them

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In December of last Year of 2024, the Governments of China and Vietnam signed an Agreement to build three Standard Gauge Railway Lines in Vietnam, one of which will link both Countries. The three Railway Lines will involve the Cities of Hanoi and Hai Phong, and also three Provinces that are on the Border of China which are Lao Cai, Lang Son and Quang Ninh. 

The first Train Line which will run from Hanoi to Lang Son will be 156 km long and cost Usd 6 billion. Another Train Line running from Mong Cai to Ha Long to Hai Phong is 187 km long and cost Usd 7 billion. 

China-Malaysia Trade at Usd 212 billion in 2024, almost ten times that of Philippine-US Trade

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I initially posted about this last Year of 2024, but now it's official, the overall Trade between China and Malaysia for the entire Year of 2024 is now at a record-high of Usd 212 billion. This also marks as the 16th consecutive Year that China is Malaysia's biggest Trading Partner. 

In contrast, Trade between the Philippines and its supposed Ally, the United States (US) was only at a paltry Usd 23.47 billion for the Year 2024, or almost ten times less than that of China and Malaysia. Remember again that Malaysia has Territorial Disputes with China also in the South China Sea (SCS), but they have insisted on settling their Dispute among themselves only.