Philippines News & Analysis

A pending transfer of six Abukama-class destroyers would ease operational attrition in the South China Sea. It could also serve as a template for Japanese defense deals elsewhere.

The Philippines claim in the South China Sea is not just a matter of national sovereignty – it’s a potential flashpoint for future US-China military conflict.

Ottawa and Manila have signed a visiting forces agreement as both seek new ways to diversify their security relations in the Trump era.

Spiking tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal are increasing the likelihood of a US-Philippine joint naval patrol regime in the South China Sea.

Exploring the history, composition, and tactics of the ‘little blue men’ of China’s littoral waters – the People’s Armed Forces Maritime Militia.

Japan and the Philippines, once bitter enemies, are moving toward ever greater military cooperation in an attempt to push back against China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

If Washington truly wants a solution on the South China Sea, it needs to get out of the way of the regional claimants.

A recent boarding by Chinese coast guard vessels around the Second Thomas Shoal was surely escalatory, but its non-lethal nature falls short of invoking the US-Philippines mutual defense treaty.

The newly-established informal Squad alliance hints at a new security concept that is now crystallizing in the Indo-Pacific.

Major advances in US-Philippines cooperation, backed by growing involvement from Japan and Australia, are neutralizing the gray zone tactics that have helped China alter the map of the South China Sea.

Maritime Cooperative Activity naval exercises are rapidly evolving into a platform for regional powers to mutually support each other and bolster international maritime law.

Will recently announced joint naval patrols between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines blunt Beijing’s gray zone tactics in the South China Sea?

A recent acquisition of BrahMos missiles illustrates how striking a balance between strengthening national security and prudent financial management remains paramount for Manila.

A paradigm shift is unfolding at the Second Thomas Shoal, one where Washington is now taking a much more assertive approach in safeguarding its ally’s territorial rights in the South China Sea.

Amid failing diplomacy, it’s time for Manila to pursue ‘diplomacy by other means’ in the South China Sea. Joint patrols are a good start.