USS North Carolina suddenly surfaced in the former US Naval Base in Subic for reprovisioning. It is said to be among the most modern submarines in the US Navy. The visit is reportedly unannounced and came during the continuing standoff between the two countries.
The Chinese responded with some alarm, it seems, sending 5 ships out to sea:
Philippine Star reported that a news outlet from Taiwan identified the ships as two Type-052B destroyers, two Type-054A frigates and one Type-071 amphibious transport vessel.
Media said the ships are on a training mission and are on their way to an unspecified location near the Philippines. They may also be sent to support China’s fishery administration ships around Panatag Shoal, a disputed island claimed by various nations including Philippines and China.
Some in the Philippines said this violates their constitution, but it is highly unlikely that the sub has nuclear weapons aboard. And the worries that this will "provoke" China are typical of pro-Chinese sentiment.
Others in the Philippines are getting their panties in a twist saying we are reclaiming our former bases.
I can't say I know about the parties named, but their wording seems typical of left-wing organizations.
It's a strange left-wing world where getting help from a friend against an actual threat is considered a bad thing.
The Chinese shouldn't worry so much that North Carolina is in Subic. They should worry when it puts to sea and submerges.
I will say we could use some smart diplomacy to convince the Chinese to back away from the confrontation with the Philippines. Somebody might get nervous and start shooting. Nobody should want that.
