For the first time, the Philippines is sending one of its warships to a fleet review hosted by China in April, in a marked shift in ties between the two former sea rivals.
Â
A spokesman said on Wednesday (Jan 23) that the Philippine navy had yet to decide which ship and how large a contingent to send to the event that marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese navy on April 23.
Â
The fleet review is to be held in the coastal city of Qingdao, eastern Shandong province.
Â
The Philippines’ participation is meant to reciprocate last week’s port call in Manila by two Chinese guided-missile frigates and their supply ship, according to Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Â
That was the second port call by Chinese warships to the Philippines since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in mid-2016.
Â
Â
