Philippines Inaugurates New Coast Guard Base on Thitu Island in South China Sea

The base, equipped with advanced systems, is a response to increased confrontations with Chinese vessels, amid territorial disputes in the region.

The Philippines has inaugurated a new coast guard base on the contested island of Thitu in the South China Sea, equipped with advanced systems to monitor Chinese vessels and aircraft.
The base is a response to increased confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships, with fears that these standoffs could escalate into a larger conflict.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano accused Chinese vessels of 'illegal' and 'aggressive' behavior towards Filipino fishermen and patrol boats, describing it as 'pure bullying'.
Thitu Island, locally known as Pag-asa, is strategically important to the Philippines, being used to maintain its territorial claim in the disputed region.
The South China Sea is a conduit for goods in excess of $3 trillion every year, with several countries including Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam having rival claims to parts of the maritime area.