U.S Navy To Expand Influence In South China Sea By Funding Philippines Fast Boat Base

The U.S Navy is planning to finance and build a fast boat facility on the western coast of Palawan in the Philippines, in an attempt to counter the growing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea.

The facility will be able to launch atleast 5 fast boats that will be built by ReconCraft, a company based in the United States.

It specialises in constructing ships used by law enforcement and the military for swift interdiction.

Per reports, the vessels include assault boats and rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The facility will also have storage and conference rooms.

It will offer a vital launch point for the Philippine Armed Forces to conduct patrols in the South China Sea.

Chinese and Philippine Ships have clashed with each other in many hostile interactions in the disputed South China Sea, where Beijing lays claims over several shoals and reefs.

Although the standoffs and accusations of China’s bullying have been happening for many years, the incidents have escalated recently, with Beijing adopting a strict stance on the Taiwan issue as well.

A few days back, the Chinese Coast Guard was recorded using a water cannon against a Philippine fishing vessel. Earlier this month, China also announced that it would deploy a military combat patrol close to the Scarborough Shoal, a disputed region with the Philippines.

Amidst these issues, the Pentagon is ready to support its allies in the Indo-Pacific to counter the growing Chinese presence.

In May, Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth released a joint statement with the Defence Ministers of Japan, Australia and the Philippines.

They condemned China’s actions in the East China Sea and the South China Sea and its attempts to change the status quo by coercion and use of force.

The leaders said that they were in opposition to the dangerous conduct by China in the South China Sea against the Philippines and said they would together increase the defence cooperation and joint interoperability of military forces.

The fast boat facility is expected to become operational in 2026.

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