Philippine Navy changes tactics, strengthens power at sea

For half a century, Philippine troops stationed in the southwest of the country have focused on quelling Muslim separatist movements. Now they are being retrained to deal with an increasingly urgent threat in the South China Sea.

Philippine and Chinese patrol boats nearly 'collided' in the South China Sea in a recent incident. (Source: AFP)

Chinese forces in the South China Sea – a strategic body of water claimed in part by the Philippines and six other governments – have become increasingly assertive, threatening not only Philippine security but also challenging Western-led efforts to contain China’s power in the region, according to Philippine leaders and Western security analysts.

After decades of focusing on internal guerrilla warfare, the Philippine military needs to overhaul its capabilities, military analysts say. Lawmakers recently allocated the largest portion of the military modernization budget to the navy for the first time. After spending billions on jungle warfare, the government is now ramping up purchases of missiles, fighter jets and warships.

Philippine leaders say they can make the move because the country has achieved relative peace with rebels in its southern islands, and money that was poured into counterinsurgency operations can now be reallocated to air and sea patrols.

In July, military leaders replaced the anti-terrorism task force with a new maritime security force, led by the navy. Joint Task Force Poseidon’s mission is to strengthen control of the waters around the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, especially the Basilan Strait and Sibetu Strait – two important waterways connecting the South China Sea to the Western Pacific.

According to unreleased Philippine Navy data, in 2024, at least 10 Chinese naval vessels passed through the Basilan Strait on three different occasions.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hai-quan-philippines-doi-chien-thuat-tang-cuong-suc-manh-tren-bien-293985.html