Philippines fortifies South China Sea outpost for a decade

The Philippines has carried out substantial reinforcements on a grounded World War II-era ship in the contested South China Sea, enough to make the outpost at the centre of tensions with Beijing last at least another decade, according to four people familiar with the matter.

In 2021, the rusty and decrepit Sierra Madre was thought to only have a remaining lifespan of three to five years, one of the people said. While some efforts had previously been made to fortify the ship, Marcos’ government accelerated that work, two of the people said.

The improvements to the outpost, on which the Southeast Asian nation maintains a handful of troops it has to regularly resupply with fresh food, water and basic goods, has been sufficient to fortify it for years, according to three of the people.

All four of the people who spoke to journalists asked not to be identified, saying they were not authorised to discuss the sensitive issue publicly.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to a request for comment by reiterating that Beijing opposes any moves by the Philippines to supply construction materials, repair, or reinforce the warship.

Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla, a Philippine military spokeswoman, said the armed forces are “dedicated to ensuring the decent living conditions of our marines and sailors stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre.” Those efforts include “sustaining our presence in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines exercises sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” she added.

Beijing maintains 27 outposts in the disputed sea, while Manila occupies nine features including Second Thomas Shoal, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. Other nations which have competing claims in the region include