South China Sea: Philippines to put military base near Taiwan in high gear to tackle tensions with Beijing

“Starting 2024, the operational tempo for the AFP will be higher,” Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr was quoted as saying on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Teodoro, who was accompanied by military chief Romeo Brawner Jnr and other officials, made the comments after visiting a naval detachment in Batanes province where a naval base is also being constructed.

Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. While many nations, including the US, do not officially acknowledge Taiwan as an independent state, they oppose any use of force to alter the existing status quo.

The defence chief’s comments underscore the Southeast Asian nation’s efforts to build its security capability as tensions with Beijing flared up in recent months, with their vessels facing off in the South China Sea amid competing territorial claims in the resource-rich waterway.

“The visit highlights the importance of fortifying our territorial defence capabilities to ensure the overall safety and integrity of our nation,” according to the military statement, which did not provide details of the plan.

The Philippines and the US resumed joint patrols in November that began near the province and ended in the South China Sea. Teodoro has said more joint patrols may happen in the future.

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In October, the Philippine navy inaugurated the naval detachment on Mavulis Island in Batanes, an area that is also being considered as a possible site for the annual US-Philippines military exercises this year.

Teodoro also sought increased cooperation between the military and local government units “to protect