Philippine military leader discloses country's intentions for island construction in the South China Sea region
The Philippines, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recently held a significant command conference at the military headquarters, marking a crucial step in asserting its territorial claims in the South China Sea. The focus of this enhancement is on the islands under the Philippines' occupation, with a particular emphasis on nine features in the contested region.
This development comes amid escalating tensions between the Philippines and China over territories in the South China Sea. The Philippines is asserting its control not only over the Second Thomas Shoal but also beyond, including the area beyond Ayungin.
In a recent incident, the Philippine Navy used small rigid hulled inflatable boats to supply the grounded ship Sierra Madre on Second Thomas Shoal, leading to a confrontation with Chinese Coast Guard vessels employing aggressive "gray zone" tactics. This incident, which resulted in injuries to Filipino sailors, heightened tensions but ultimately led to a provisional de-escalation agreement, allowing Manila to repair the Sierra Madre and maintain its foothold.
Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, plays a key role as a Philippine-administered island in the Spratly group. This strategically significant island, approximately 300 miles west of the Philippine province of Palawan, serves as a strategic outpost for the country’s claims and presence in the area. The Philippines maintains control over eight other features within the South China Sea, which are considered integral to its exclusive economic zone.
China’s increasingly assertive behavior, including patrols, military drills, and gray zone coercion near disputed features such as the Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, continues to complicate the security environment. This has prompted not only Philippine responses but also calls by Manila to other countries to support the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, which invalidated most of China's expansive claims.
To strengthen its security posture and deterrence capabilities, the Philippines is modernizing its military, including the acquisition of additional ships, radars, and aircraft. Furthermore, the country is deepening its defense ties with allies to bolster its security, such as the U.S.-Philippines alliance, and entering Reciprocal Access Agreements with Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and soon, France.
The South China Sea remains a contentious area, serving as a vital conduit for goods valued at over $3 trillion annually. The current disputes in the South China Sea remain tense, with ongoing friction between China and the Philippines over contested islands and maritime areas. However, the Philippines' dual approach of reinforcing physical presence while deepening multilateral security cooperation in response to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea is a significant development in the ongoing regional security dynamics.
References:
- Rappler. (2024, June 15). China, Philippines exchange allegations of aggressive behavior in South China Sea. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/2964127-china-philippines-aggressive-behavior-south-china-sea
- ABS-CBN News. (2024, June 17). Philippines modernizing military to safeguard territorial interests, says military chief. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/17/24/philippines-modernizing-military-to-safeguard-territorial-interests-says-military-chief
- Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. (n.d.). Thitu Island (Pag-asa). Retrieved from https://amti.csis.org/feature/thitu-island-pag-asa/
In the complex context of the South China Sea, political developments and general news revolve around the Philippines' assertive stance towards defending its territorial claims, such as the Second Thomas Shoal and the area beyond Ayungin, amid escalating tensions with China. In response to China's increasing assertiveness, the Philippines is modernizing its military, fostering defense ties with allies, and seeking worldwide support for the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling invalidating most of China's claims in the South China Sea.
