15-1-2024 (MANILA) The Philippines is set to develop islands in the South China Sea that it considers part of its territory, focusing on improving habitability for its troops, according to military chief Romeo Brawner. This development comes amid heightened tensions between the Philippines and China, both laying claim to territories in the South China Sea and accusing each other of aggressive behavior in the strategic waterway.
The Philippines currently occupies nine features in the South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin. Other features include Thitu Island (Pag-asa), which is the largest and most strategically important. The country aims to enhance all nine features, particularly the islands it occupies, including Second Thomas Shoal.
The military’s plans include bringing a desalination machine to provide freshwater for troops stationed on a warship intentionally grounded on Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 as a measure to assert sovereignty claims. This move indicates the Philippines’ commitment to fortifying its territorial presence in the region.
Apart from the development of the islands, the military is also looking to modernize its capabilities, with plans to acquire more ships, radars, and aircraft. This shift in focus from internal defense to territorial defense aligns with the Philippines’ strategy to safeguard its claims in the South China Sea.
Tensions in the region persist as the Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam maintain competing claims over the South China Sea—a vital conduit for trade, handling goods exceeding $3 trillion annually. The move to enhance its territorial holdings and bolster military capabilities reflects the Philippines’ commitment to securing its interests in the disputed waters.
