As tensions intensify between China and the Philippines in the highly disputed South China Sea region, the Philippines is increasing its presence in the area by deploying patrol ships and fighter jets. While warning against repeated incidents of Chinese aggression and authoritarianism, the Philippines has decided to strengthen its position in the South China Sea by using means such as patrol ships and a new marine battalion focused on littoral operations.
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Korean aerospace industries T-50 in philippines air force ( named FA-50)  (Picture source: Philippines Air force)

Sources indicate that, in addition to attack and superiority aircraft, the Philippines has deployed patrol gunboats as well as a newly created marine unit focused on littoral operations in Palawan, the westernmost island of the country.

This effort is part of the country's military modernization initiatives aimed at shifting the Philippine forces from internal security responsibilities to external defense operations to counter the growing threat from China. It is worth noting that the Palawan region is located just 140 kilometers from the contested Sabina Shoal and 190 kilometers from the Second Thomas Shoal, two areas of frequent tensions and confrontations between Manila and Beijing.

It is also reported that four Navy patrol vessels and a Marine Corps maritime security battalion were sent to the westernmost province of the country following one of the most serious incidents between Manila and Beijing on June 17. Chinese coast guards seized Filipino troops and equipment during a resupply mission led by the Philippine Armed Forces to the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57) at Second Thomas Shoal.

Additionally, the naval detachment at Ulugan Bay in western Palawan, the main Philippine Navy base for operations in the South China Sea, is now home to American Cyclone-class patrol vessels and Israeli Acero-class gunboats. These ships include the BRP Lolinato To-ong (PG-902), BRP Valentin Diaz (PS-177), BRP Gener Tinangag (PG-903), and BRP Ladislao Diwa (PS-178).

The littoral combat force, responsible for overseeing operations in littoral and coastal areas, has significantly altered its posture by deploying patrol vessels in western Palawan and the South China Sea. Manila's efforts to reinforce the region have been highlighted during these recent deployments.

For example, earlier this month, two ships – Gener Tinangag and Lolinato To-ong – anchored on the strategic island of Thitu. They became the first Acero-class gunboats to obtain certification for external defense missions. Additionally, the maritime security battalion formed by the Philippine Marine Corps recently left Luzon for the southwestern frontier, coinciding with the Navy deployments. The 4th Marine Battalion, which was a land-centered unit focused on counterinsurgency in Palawan over the past 12 years, was equipped with fiberglass-reinforced plastic boats and underwent a refurbishment earlier this year, including training in littoral operations.

After decades of operations focused on internal threats, the leaders of the Philippine Navy and Marine Corps emphasized the importance of the unit as a restoration of the "naval character" in response to growing threats from China. This situation has not been well received in China, which accused Manila of creating an advanced deployment base by anchoring its Coast Guard ships at the contested Sabina Shoal. For example, Chinese state media claimed that the Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Teresa Magbanua had been anchored near Sabina Shoal since mid-April and that the service was seeking to anchor another ship in the area to continue its "occupation."

The Philippines has reinforced its presence in the region by intensifying patrols at sea and in the air. After a Chinese PLA Air Force plane dangerously intercepted a Philippine plane earlier this month, Manila hinted that it was considering deploying FA-50 fighter jets to escort its patrol aircraft over the South China Sea. Following the interception, Philippine National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated, "There will be a continued struggle for presence and assertion of sovereign rights in the region, so you should expect these things to happen." Teodoro said it was imperative to discuss the deployment of the FA-50PH to escort patrol aircraft in the future.

In June 2024, the Philippines intensified its patrols in the region in response to a controversial Chinese law that allowed its coast guards to detain foreigners suspected of intrusion. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, defying the 2016 Hague Tribunal ruling.

This photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard, shows damage on the Philippines coast guard vessel BRP Cape Engano (MRRV-4411) after a collision with a Chinese coast guard ship Monday, Aug. 19, 2024 in the disputed South China Sea. ( Picture source : Philippine Coast Guard via AP)

In the early hours of August 19, 2024, Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships collided near Sabina Shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands. The incident made headlines, with both sides blaming each other. The Chinese side accused the Philippines of deliberately ramming one of its coast guard ships.

In contrast, the Philippine National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea claimed that two Philippine Coast Guard ships had faced "illegal and aggressive maneuvers" by Chinese Coast Guard vessels as they headed towards the Patag and Lawak Islands in the region. The Philippines received support from its allies, including the United States.

This incident is not the first to occur in the region, where both sides continue to battle over territories. Manila has accused Beijing of violating its sovereignty and warned that aggression could escalate into a larger conflict. Both sides have even signed a provisional agreement to prevent confrontations at sea. However, tensions continue to rise. China has continued to assert its full sovereignty over the Spratly Islands. Following the collision, China asserted its "indisputable sovereignty" over Sabina Shoal and the surrounding waters, as well as the Spratly Islands, also known as the Nansha Islands in Chinese.

Since last year, Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels, along with accompanying ships, have been involved in several increasingly alarming incidents in this area. These incidents have raised concerns about a miscalculation leading to a regional escalation.

For his part, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that while his country is not interested in starting a war, it "will not be intimidated" by anyone, which is interpreted as an indirect reference to China.