英语新闻阅读：菲律宾把新购军舰部署在南中国海

英语自学网

　　Philippine President Benigno Aquino says the country's newest warship will
be deployed to protect the nation in areas where oil exploration vessels have
reported run-ins with China.Mr. Aquino spoke Tuesday as he and other top
officials inspected the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a decommissioned U.S. Coast
Guard cutter acquired by the Philippines navy in May. The 46-year-old ship will
be the most capable vessel in a fleet made up of mostly World War II-era
ships.
        　　Mr. Aquino said the ship will be used, among other purposes, to guard
exploration efforts in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South
China Sea. He said the ship represents the nation's readiness to defend its
interests, and that his government's defense build-up will continue.Other
countries with competing claims in the South China Sea are also strengthening
their navies. China this month conducted sea trials of a refitted aircraft
carrier, while Vietnam this week took ownership of a Russian-made guided missile
warship. Vietnam acquired a similar Russian-made ship in March.