Philippines Strengthens Grip in South China Sea with Pag-asa Runway Upgrade “The runway is complete.” That was the quiet line coming out of Manila this week, almost understated, almost routine. And yet, if you’ve been watching the South China Sea even casually, you know this is not routine. Not even close. Here’s the real question:…
AFP Commissions Two New Naval Vessels Amid Maritime Security Push The latest news out of Subic didn’t come with fireworks or fighter jet flyovers. It came with something quieter and honestly, more serious. On February 24, 2026, at Naval Operating Base Subic in Zambales, the Armed Forces of the Philippines commissioned two new naval vessels….
Philippines Eyes Port and Airstrip Expansion in West Philippine Sea Kalayaan Island Group “We are not retreating from the West Philippine Sea. We are reinforcing our presence.” That line from officials in Manila hit differently this time. Because this isn’t just another statement for the press cycle. This is concrete. Asphalt. Steel. Dredgers. Expansion plans….
Philippines is moving toward military cooperation with Taiwan, which could further destabilize the already tense dynamics in the South China Sea “Any attempt to expand military cooperation in areas surrounding Taiwan will be met with firm opposition,” a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China warned just days ago….
Philippines Opens New Luzon Strait Base to Bolster Deterrence Against China “We cannot afford to be blind in our own waters.” That was how one Philippine defense official reportedly framed it this week and honestly, that line hits hard. Because here’s the real question: What happens when the world’s most contested waters sit right at…
US Commits $144M to Strengthen Military Facilities in the Philippines What does $144 million really buy in today’s world? A handful of fighter jets? A stretch of highway? A political headline that fades in 24 hours? Or something much bigger? This week, the United States quietly but unmistakably, committed $144 million to upgrade and expand…
Philippines Opens New Luzon Strait Base to Bolster Deterrence Against China “We cannot afford to be blind in our own waters.” That was how one Philippine defense official reportedly framed it this week and honestly, that line hits hard. Because here’s the real question: What happens when the world’s most contested waters sit right at…
Philippines Continues to Signal Interest in Acquiring F-16 Block 70/72 Fighters “The Philippines remains interested in acquiring the F-16 Block 70/72.” That was the line that quietly slipped into defense reporting this week, almost casual, almost routine. But if you pause for a second and really think about it, it’s not routine at all. Because…
US to Deploy Advanced Missiles in Philippines Amid South China Sea Tensions “We will stand by our treaty commitments.” That line has been repeated so many times over the decades that it almost sounds routine. But this week, it hit differently. Because the United States isn’t just issuing statements. It’s preparing to deploy additional advanced…
Royal Australian Navy Warship Visits Subic for Joint Maritime Exercises with Philippine Navy “The South China Sea is not just water. It is a strategy. It is sovereignty. It is the future.” That line has been echoing quietly in defense circles for months now. And this week, it suddenly felt real. Because from 13–16 February…
