MANILA — The Philippines announced on Friday the establishment of a new Coast Guard post in the country’s northernmost region to enhance security in response to China’s escalating military presence near Taiwan over the past two years.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año emphasized that the outpost “will gather essential maritime data and intelligence, enabling the Philippine Coast Guard to respond effectively to threats such as illicit trade, trafficking, piracy, and foreign intrusions.”
Año highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “In 2022, the area around Itbayat witnessed a military build-up as China reacted to political developments between Taiwan and the United States.” The new station is situated on Itbayat, the northernmost inhabited island of the Philippines, approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Taiwan’s southern coast.
“Securing peace, stability, and freedom of navigation along the Luzon Strait is crucial for ensuring Philippine national security and economic prosperity,” Año added.
The move comes amid a protracted diplomatic dispute between China and the Philippines over conflicting claims in the South China Sea. China has constructed artificial islands and military installations in waters proximate to the Philippines.
Recent years have seen China’s Coast Guard engage in aggressive actions, including water cannon attacks on Philippine government vessels, resulting in damage and injuries to crew members.
Itbayat lies just outside the area marked by the controversial dashed-line map that China uses to assert its extensive claims over the South China Sea.
(el Amigo//MNM)
