Philippines opens coast guard post after China build-up

The Philippines said on May 24 it had opened a coast guard post in the country’s far north to boost security following China’s “military build-up” near Taiwan over the past two years.

The Philippines said on May 24 it had opened a coast guard post in the country's far north to boost security following China's "military build-up" near Taiwan over the past two years.

The outpost "shall gather essential maritime data and intelligence, enabling the (Philippine Coast Guard) to respond effectively to threats such as illicit trade, trafficking, piracy, and foreign intrusions", National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said in a statement.

"In 2022, the area around Itbayat witnessed a military build-up as China responded to political developments between Taiwan and the United States," Ano said, announcing the opening of the station on the Philippines' northernmost inhabited island.

Itbayat is located around 150 kilometres (93 miles) south of Taiwan's south coast.

"Securing peace, stability, and freedom of navigation along the Luzon Strait is crucial for ensuring Philippine national security and economic prosperity," Ano said.

Ano added he sees the Luzon Strait, which lies between the Philippines and Taiwan, both as a "vital international waterway" and "a potential flashpoint for regional and international conflicts".

Jay Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesman for South China Sea issues, said the Itbayat station "will enable effective monitoring of vessels passing through" the strait.