The US and Philippines conduct joint military exercises in Zambales, a strategic location facing the South China Sea, amid ongoing territorial disputes with China. The drills feature live-fire exercises and involve 9,000 US troops and 500 Philippine troops, showcasing their military cooperation and challenging China's maritime claims.

US-Philippines hold military drills: 9000 US troops, 500 Philippines troops participate in drills

India and Philippines are strengthening defense ties with the major missile deal.
Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines has termed the acquisition of Brahmos missile system as a major development in defence cooperation with India. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, 'export of Brahmos to the Philippines part of our policies of modernizing our defence compatibility, not aimed at particular any 3rd country. It's a major development in Philippines-India Defence cooperation"

Philippines To Receive Second Batch Of BrahMos Missile System From India

More than 14,000 Filipino and American troops kicked off the annual Bali Katan military exercises amid heightened tensions in the region.

Exercise Balikatan 2025: Philippines, US launch joint combat drills in 'full battle test'

Tensions are flaring up at the South China Sea after Taiwan. The Philippines has now raised an alarm over China's increasing aggression and dangerous maneuvers at the disputed waters. These are the images of the Philippines Coast Guard confronting a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, which it claims entered into the exclusive economic zone of the country.

Philippines accuses china of dangerous manoeuvres in South China Sea

Tensions between China and the Philippines are on the rise once again, and this time over allegations of espionage. This comes after Chinese state media reported the arrest of three Filipino nationals, accusing them of working with Philippine intelligence to gather classified military information. The arrests were made public on Thursday, with video footage showing the three individuals being questioned by Chinese authorities.

China arrests 3 Filipinos for alleged espionage, Philippines denies spy allegations

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the Trump administration would boost military ties with the Philippines to strengthen deterrence against “threats from the communist Chinese” and ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed South China Sea.

US vows military ties with Philippines amid Chinese aggression

Hegseth is presently on his maiden official tour to East Asia. He met with the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying the two countries must stand “shoulder to shoulder” in the face of the threat represented by China. Meanwhile, back home, Hegseth remains in the thick of the Signal gate row over leaked chats of U.S. military operations in Yemen. Watch this video to find out more.

US bolsters Philippines defence with 'gamechanger missiles'

Supporters of former Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte staged a prayer rally on Saturday to condemn the Marcos government for allowing his arrest over an International Criminal Court (ICC) case.

Filipinos stage rally for arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte, ‘Bring him home!’

India and Philippines are strengthening their defence ties with the Brahmos missile deal. The Philippines' foreign affairs secretary Enrique Manalo has hailed the acquisition of the Brahmos missile system as a major development in bilateral defence cooperation.

India-Philippines partnership strengthens with $375 million missile deal

Philippines Army chief Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr on Wednesday (March 19) said that the country is exploring more platforms including missile systems, fighter aircraft and ships after getting BrahMos missiles from India as China is currently an "existential problem" for them.&nbsp;
The Philippines is currently in the process of modernising the armed forces as the country is right there at the "forefront of the bullying tactics by China," the army chief told WION.&nbsp;
He commended the India-Philippines relationship, saying that the bond is becoming stronger as the years go on.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explainer-india-pushes-the-pedal-on-brahmos-export-786156">Explainer: India pushes the pedal on Brahmos export</a>
"We are very happy with the relationship of the Philippines and India, particularly the mill-to-mill relationships, because we're seeing that this relationship is becoming stronger as the years go on," he said.
"We have had some procurements already from India like the Brahmos missile systems and hopefully we could look into procuring more platforms, missile systems maybe, maybe fighter aircraft, maybe ships, maybe," the Philippines army chief further told WION.&nbsp;
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"We've already procured BrahMos missiles and are exploring more platforms, missile systems, fighter aircraft, and ships," the Philippines Army chief Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr tells WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sidhant</a> He also talks about the bullying tactics by China <a href="https://t.co/34wVgK9ZrY">pic.twitter.com/34wVgK9ZrY</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1902352526642704523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He continued by saying that the Philippines is looking at all the possibilities from around the world as they are now in the process of "modernising the armed forces of Philippines because we are right there at the forefront of that of the bullying tactics by China."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-army-chief-china-is-a-bully-8870221">Philippines Army Chief: China is a bully</a>
Last year, Philippines Ambassador to India, Josel Francisco Ignacio said that the Brahmos missiles procured from India give a significant boost to his country's defence and deterrent capabilities as the Philippines signed a deal worth $375 million to purchase three batteries of the BrahMos missile system from India.
When asked about how China is a concern for the Philippines, the army chief replied calling the country an "existential problem".&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brahmos-missile-enhances-our-defence-deterrent-capabilities-philippines-envoy-josel-francisco-ignacio-734897">Brahmos missile enhances our defence, deterrent&nbsp;capabilities: Philippines&nbsp;envoy Josel Francisco Ignacio</a>
"It's a great concern. In fact, we even consider it an existential problem for us because slowly they're coming in and trying to claim more and more of our islands."
In the past years, clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified near disputed areas in the South China Sea, including incidents involving ship collisions and the use of water cannons by the Chinese coastguard.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explainer-india-pushes-the-pedal-on-brahmos-export-786156">Explainer: India pushes the pedal on Brahmos export</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World, India news: Philippines is in process of modernising armed forces as country is right there at "forefront of that of the bullying tactics by China," army chief told WION.

Philippines Army chief Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr on Wednesday (March 19) said that the country is exploring more platforms including missile systems, fighter aircraft and ships after getting BrahMos missiles from India as China is currently an "existential problem" for them. The Philippines is currently in the process of modernising the armed forces as the country is right there at the "forefront of the bullying tactics by China," the army chief told WION. He commended the India-Philippines relationship, saying that the bond is becoming stronger as the years go on. Also read: Explainer: India pushes the pedal on Brahmos export "We are very happy with the relationship of the Philippines and India, particularly the mill-to-mill relationships, because we're seeing that this relationship is becoming stronger as the years go on," he said. "We have had some procurements already from India like the Brahmos missile systems and hopefully we could look into procuring more platforms, missile systems maybe, maybe fighter aircraft, maybe ships, maybe," the Philippines army chief further told WION. "We've already procured BrahMos missiles and are exploring more platforms, missile systems, fighter aircraft, and ships," the Philippines Army chief Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr tells WION's @sidhant He also talks about the bullying tactics by China pic.twitter.com/34wVgK9ZrY — WION (@WIONews) March 19, 2025 He continued by saying that the Philippines is looking at all the possibilities from around the world as they are now in the process of "modernising the armed forces of Philippines because we are right there at the forefront of that of the bullying tactics by China." Also read: Philippines Army Chief: China is a bully Last year, Philippines Ambassador to India, Josel Francisco Ignacio said that the Brahmos missiles procured from India give a significant boost to his country's defence and deterrent capabilities as the Philippines signed a deal worth $375 million to purchase three batteries of the BrahMos missile system from India. When asked about how China is a concern for the Philippines, the army chief replied calling the country an "existential problem". Also read: Brahmos missile enhances our defence, deterrent capabilities: Philippines envoy Josel Francisco Ignacio "It's a great concern. In fact, we even consider it an existential problem for us because slowly they're coming in and trying to claim more and more of our islands." In the past years, clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified near disputed areas in the South China Sea, including incidents involving ship collisions and the use of water cannons by the Chinese coastguard. Also read: Explainer: India pushes the pedal on Brahmos export (With inputs from agencies)

'Existential problem': Philippines plans to procure more missiles from India after BrahMos amid China threat

Philippines hails Brahmos missile acquisition as defence breakthrough

Enrique Manalo, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines has termed the acquisition of Brahmos missile system as a major development in defence cooperation with India. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, he said, 'export of Brahmos to the Philippines part of our policies of modernizing our defence compatibility, not aimed at particular any 3rd country. It's a major development in Philippines-India Defence cooperation"

In January 2022, India and the Philippines signed a $375 million agreement for the supply of three batteries of the shore-based anti-ship variant of the BrahMos missile system. This marked India's first export of the BrahMos missile, a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia. 

Secretary Manalo emphasized on expanding maritime cooperation. India has offered facilities to the Philippines for ship repair as well. He thanked India for assistance to Philippines seafarers in the western Indian Ocean.

In the broad-based interview, he also spoke on China tension, Ukraine, trade, etc.

Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Manalo emphasised expanding maritime cooperation

Philippines Army Chief has termed China as a bully, pointing the situation in South China Sea. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal,  Romeo Saturnino Brawner Jr., Philippine Army general, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces said,'We are at the forefront of bully tactic by China...it's a great concerns, existential problem'.

China-Philippines ties are strained by South China Sea disputes, with the Philippines. Despite this, economic and cultural connections persist amid ongoing tensions.

The Army Chief lauded the 'very  happy with relationship, particularly military to military'. Asked on procurement of Brahmos from India, he said, 'hopefully we can look into more platforms, may be fighter aircraft, ships"

Philippines Army Chief: China is a bully

The Philippines Senate has announced it will probe the arrest and handover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Watch this report for more details!

Philippines Senate Launches Investigation into Duterte's ICC Arrest amid protests

In the Philippines, 10 people were injured when an escalator went into the reverse direction, sending people in it back to the starting point at a train station. The technical glitch occurred at the Taft Ave station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) in the capital Manila, on March 8.
According to the viral CCTV footage, people were using the escalator when it abruptly paused and then began to operate backward.
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On March 8, 10 people were injured when an escalator malfunctioned at a train station in the Philippines. CCTV footage from the Taft Avenue station shows packed escalator riders ascending before suddenly plummeting back down. <a href="https://t.co/vyeZYOLBYy">pic.twitter.com/vyeZYOLBYy</a>
&mdash; T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) <a href="https://twitter.com/tecas2000/status/1899852740156641647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2025</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/phillipines-president-duterte-will-impose-martial-law-if-drug-problem-virulent-11296">Philippines President Duterte: Will impose martial law if drug problem 'virulent'</a>
Some passengers were tossed to the floor, and others are seen collapsing on each other. The primary drive chain of the motor-powered stairs was damaged, according to train management, who promised to pay for the wounded people's medical bills.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-swiss-olympian-fabian-boesch-ascends-escalator-in-a-new-way-32751">Watch: Swiss Olympian Fabian Boesch ascends escalator in a whole new way</a>
"We apologise to our passengers and we are coordinating with those affected by the incident," stated Oscar Bongon, general manager of MRT-3. The repair work of the malfunctioned escalator began on Tuesday afternoon (March 11). The MRT-3 staff were repairing the escalator at Taft Avenue Station. They informed that the escalator was damaged and caused the malfunction.
<h2>Escalator malfunction cases</h2>
It is not just the Philippines that suffered escalator malfunction. In 2024, an escalator glitch occurred at U&ccedil;yol Metro Station in Anatolia, Izmir, Turkey that injured 11 people. The case has sparked serious safety issues across the globe.
Earlier in 2017, an escalator suddenly reversed direction and sent commuters backward at high speed at a shopping center in Hong Kong. This incident injured about 18 people and they suffered minor wounds. (With inputs from agencies)

World: Trending: Discover the shocking escalator glitch in Manila's MRT station that injured people. Learn how this viral incident unfolded and the immediate response from authorities.

In the Philippines, 10 people were injured when an escalator went into the reverse direction, sending people in it back to the starting point at a train station. The technical glitch occurred at the Taft Ave station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) in the capital Manila, on March 8. According to the viral CCTV footage, people were using the escalator when it abruptly paused and then began to operate backward. On March 8, 10 people were injured when an escalator malfunctioned at a train station in the Philippines. CCTV footage from the Taft Avenue station shows packed escalator riders ascending before suddenly plummeting back down. pic.twitter.com/vyeZYOLBYy — T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) March 12, 2025 Also read| Philippines President Duterte: Will impose martial law if drug problem 'virulent' Some passengers were tossed to the floor, and others are seen collapsing on each other. The primary drive chain of the motor-powered stairs was damaged, according to train management, who promised to pay for the wounded people's medical bills. Also read | Watch: Swiss Olympian Fabian Boesch ascends escalator in a whole new way "We apologise to our passengers and we are coordinating with those affected by the incident," stated Oscar Bongon, general manager of MRT-3. The repair work of the malfunctioned escalator began on Tuesday afternoon (March 11). The MRT-3 staff were repairing the escalator at Taft Avenue Station. They informed that the escalator was damaged and caused the malfunction. Escalator malfunction cases It is not just the Philippines that suffered escalator malfunction. In 2024, an escalator glitch occurred at Uçyol Metro Station in Anatolia, Izmir, Turkey that injured 11 people. The case has sparked serious safety issues across the globe. Earlier in 2017, an escalator suddenly reversed direction and sent commuters backward at high speed at a shopping center in Hong Kong. This incident injured about 18 people and they suffered minor wounds. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | 10 people injured as escalator glitch throws them off in Philippines

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was taken into custody pursuant to a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which was looking into claims that he had committed "crimes against humanity" during his alleged "war on drugs."

Phillipines: Ex President Duterte Charged With 'Mass Killings', Arrested By ICC

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was arrested on Tuesday (Mar 11) in Manila, after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant. The 79-year-old was detained at Manila's international airport following a brief trip to Hong Kong. Watch to know more!

Philippines: Ex-president Rodrigo Duterte arrested on ICC charges for crimes against humanity

The Philippines and its security allies would take measures to counter any attempt by China to impose an air defense zone or restrict freedom of flights over the South China Sea, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said Wednesday, following confrontations between Chinese aircraft and those of his country, Australia and the United States. Watch to know more!

Philippines Warns Over China 'Restricting' Flights Over South China Sea

Face-to-face classes on Tuesday (March 4) have been suspended in various Luzon areas due to the high heat index forecast by the state weather bureau. Dagupan City, Pangasinan, is expected to record the highest heat index at 42 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Watch to know more!

Heat Wave Forces School Closures In Nearly Half Of Manila, Philippines

Residents in a central Manila neighbourhood lined up Wednesday, as dengue cases spike nationwide, to collect a bounty -- one peso for every five mosquitoes, dead or alive. Watch in for more details!

Philippines village offering bounties for killing mosquitoes

Kill mosquitoes and get money: Philippines solution to curb dengue outbreak

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, China has once again challenged the Philippines with a series of provocative military maneuvers.

Philippine coast guard slams 'dangerous' Chinese tactics

Tensions rise as a Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft, prompting immediate warnings from Filipino pilots. The incident has sparked strong condemnation from the Philippines, raising concerns over regional security.

Chinese navy helicopter flies within 10 feet of Philippine plane

Philippines condemns 'dangerous' China helicopter manoeuvres

Philippines slams 'dangerous' China helicopter manoeuvres

Four people were killed Thursday when a plane contracted by the US military crashed in a rice field in the southern Philippines. Watch this report for more details!

US Plane Crash: Bodies of all four killed in crash recovered from wreckage

A small plane that crashed in the southern Philippines on Thursday, killing at least four people on board, was contracted by the American military, the US embassy confirmed without further detail.
The Philippine military said in a statement it could not release information about the crash on Mindanao island as the matter was classified and an investigation was ongoing.
Small numbers of American troops are put on short-term rotational deployments in the Philippines, where the US military has helped provide intelligence to troops battling militants linked to the Islamic State group that remains active on Mindanao.
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-plane-crash-all-67-bodies-recovered-from-deadly-collision-8693363" rel="dofollow"> Washington DC plane crash: All 67 bodies recovered from deadly collision</a>
The US Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii did not immediately respond to inquiries.
Regional police spokesman Jopy Ventura told AFP that officers had not yet determined the cause of the fixed-wing aircraft's crash on a farm near the municipality of Ampatuan.
None of the four known victims had so far been identified, he said, adding that police and soldiers had been deployed to the site to prevent potential tampering with evidence.
The plane's tail number, identified by police as N349CA, was registered to defence firm Metrea, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware, which identified it as a Beechcraft Super King Air B300.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-airport-workers-arrested-for-leaking-video-of-dc-plane-crash-what-was-there-in-the-video-8690588" rel="dofollow">Two airport workers arrested for leaking video of DC plane crash. What was there in the video?</a>
The Metra website describes the company as a "leading provider of effects-as-a-service to national security partners across multiple domains and over a dozen mission areas".
Municipal rescuer Rhea Martin told AFP her team had found four dead bodies at the crash site.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-captain-rebecca-lobach-third-soldier-aboard-black-hawk-identified-in-dc-plane-crash-8682812" rel="dofollow">Who was Captain Rebecca Lobach, third soldier aboard Black Hawk identified in DC plane crash?</a>
"The bodies were found near the plane," she told AFP, adding: "The plane was cut in half."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: Philippine military said in a statement it could not release information about the crash on Mindanao island as the matter was classified and an investigation was ongoing.

A small plane that crashed in the southern Philippines on Thursday, killing at least four people on board, was contracted by the American military, the US embassy confirmed without further detail. The Philippine military said in a statement it could not release information about the crash on Mindanao island as the matter was classified and an investigation was ongoing. Small numbers of American troops are put on short-term rotational deployments in the Philippines, where the US military has helped provide intelligence to troops battling militants linked to the Islamic State group that remains active on Mindanao. Also read: Washington DC plane crash: All 67 bodies recovered from deadly collision The US Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii did not immediately respond to inquiries. Regional police spokesman Jopy Ventura told AFP that officers had not yet determined the cause of the fixed-wing aircraft's crash on a farm near the municipality of Ampatuan. None of the four known victims had so far been identified, he said, adding that police and soldiers had been deployed to the site to prevent potential tampering with evidence. The plane's tail number, identified by police as N349CA, was registered to defence firm Metrea, according to flight-tracking site FlightAware, which identified it as a Beechcraft Super King Air B300. Also read: Two airport workers arrested for leaking video of DC plane crash. What was there in the video? The Metra website describes the company as a "leading provider of effects-as-a-service to national security partners across multiple domains and over a dozen mission areas". Municipal rescuer Rhea Martin told AFP her team had found four dead bodies at the crash site. Also read: Who was Captain Rebecca Lobach, third soldier aboard Black Hawk identified in DC plane crash? "The bodies were found near the plane," she told AFP, adding: "The plane was cut in half." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US military-contracted plane crashes in southern Philippines, four killed

The China Coast Guard intercepted two Philippine vessels near the Nanshan Islands. China claimed that the ships entered its waters without permission and attempted to land and conduct some sampling.

South China Sea dispute: Tensions rise as China intercepts Philippine vessels near Tiexian Reef

The Philippines has raised an alarm over China's increasing aggression in the disputed South China Sea. It says it is keeping all options open, including the potential for new international lawsuits. Watch in for more details!

Philippines alarmed over China's ship moving closer to land

For the first time since World War 2, Japan's military forces might step foot on Philippine soil. Signalling Japan’s intention to build a robust defence framework amid rising tensions in the region.

Japanese troops to be in Philippines soon? | Gravitas

The Philippines is upgrading its facilities on Thitu Island, the only inhabited outpost it holds in the contested Spratly Islands, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
The country&rsquo;s latest annual budget has allocated 1.65 billion pesos ($27.96 million) to improve the airport on Thitu, alongside an additional 300 million pesos ($5 million) for constructing a sheltered port. Separately, over 1 billion pesos has been set aside for a sheltered port facility on Nanshan Island, located approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) east of Thitu.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-indonesia-working-on-brahmos-deal-8609013">India, Indonesia working on BrahMos missile deal</a>
<h2>Upgrades to enhance the Philippines&rsquo; limited military capacity</h2>
While these upgrades are unlikely to significantly shift the regional balance of power, analysts believe they will enhance the Philippines&rsquo; limited military capacity amid increasing pressure from Beijing in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explainer-india-indonesia-the-maritime-neighbours-firming-up-ties-8608014">South China Sea</a>. According to the report, the funding will support extending the island&rsquo;s sole airstrip to 1.5 kilometres, making it suitable for certain F-16 fighter variants&nbsp;as well as light combat and transport aircraft.
Analysts suggest Beijing would likely be alarmed if the facilities on Thitu Island were made available to US forces. Such a move might be viewed as Washington inserting itself into the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-says-china-coast-guard-fired-water-cannon-sideswiped-govt-vessel-781305">Philippines says China Coast Guard fired water cannon, 'sideswiped' govt vessel</a>
<h2>Philippines plays catch up with regional rivals</h2>
The Philippines, long criticised for its slow pace in upgrading infrastructure in the Spratlys, appears to be catching up with its regional rivals. Although Manila was one of the first claimants to occupy disputed reefs, decades of neglect and underinvestment have eroded any strategic advantages gained from its early actions. In contrast, China completed an extensive island-building programme over a decade ago and has consistently improved its facilities in the region.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-dead-dozens-hospitalised-after-eating-toxic-sea-turtle-in-philippines-780885">Three dead, dozens hospitalised after eating toxic sea turtle in Philippines</a>
Known as Pag-asa in the Philippines and Zhongye in China, Thitu Island is the largest feature occupied by Manila in the area. It hosts a coastguard station equipped with radar and other monitoring systems, as well as a civilian population of around 200 people. The island, also claimed by Vietnam, is located roughly 500 kilometres (310 miles) west of Palawan and holds strategic significance in the disputed waters.
In the past year, clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified near disputed areas, including incidents involving ship collisions and the use of water cannons by the Chinese coastguard. 
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Philippines, long criticised for its slow pace in upgrading infrastructure in the Spratlys, appears to be catching up with its regional rivals.

The Philippines is upgrading its facilities on Thitu Island, the only inhabited outpost it holds in the contested Spratly Islands, according to a report by the South China Morning Post. The country’s latest annual budget has allocated 1.65 billion pesos ($27.96 million) to improve the airport on Thitu, alongside an additional 300 million pesos ($5 million) for constructing a sheltered port. Separately, over 1 billion pesos has been set aside for a sheltered port facility on Nanshan Island, located approximately 160 kilometres (100 miles) east of Thitu. Also read: India, Indonesia working on BrahMos missile deal Upgrades to enhance the Philippines’ limited military capacity While these upgrades are unlikely to significantly shift the regional balance of power, analysts believe they will enhance the Philippines’ limited military capacity amid increasing pressure from Beijing in the South China Sea. According to the report, the funding will support extending the island’s sole airstrip to 1.5 kilometres, making it suitable for certain F-16 fighter variants as well as light combat and transport aircraft. Analysts suggest Beijing would likely be alarmed if the facilities on Thitu Island were made available to US forces. Such a move might be viewed as Washington inserting itself into the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China. Also read: Philippines says China Coast Guard fired water cannon, 'sideswiped' govt vessel Philippines plays catch up with regional rivals The Philippines, long criticised for its slow pace in upgrading infrastructure in the Spratlys, appears to be catching up with its regional rivals. Although Manila was one of the first claimants to occupy disputed reefs, decades of neglect and underinvestment have eroded any strategic advantages gained from its early actions. In contrast, China completed an extensive island-building programme over a decade ago and has consistently improved its facilities in the region. Also read: Three dead, dozens hospitalised after eating toxic sea turtle in Philippines Known as Pag-asa in the Philippines and Zhongye in China, Thitu Island is the largest feature occupied by Manila in the area. It hosts a coastguard station equipped with radar and other monitoring systems, as well as a civilian population of around 200 people. The island, also claimed by Vietnam, is located roughly 500 kilometres (310 miles) west of Palawan and holds strategic significance in the disputed waters. In the past year, clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels have intensified near disputed areas, including incidents involving ship collisions and the use of water cannons by the Chinese coastguard. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines ramps up Spratly Islands upgrades to enhance military capacity amid tension with China

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