Philippines opens key coast guard base in disputed South China Sea

The Philippines formally activated a permanent coast guard command centre on Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea , bolstering its strategic presence in the Spratly Islands and deepening efforts to defend its territorial claims amid expanded Chinese maritime activities . The inauguration, held on the nation’s Day of Valor, was attended by Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Senator Erwin Tulfo, and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander Adm Ronnie Gil Gavan.

The newly established PCG district will cover about 68,000 square kilometres of contested waters and will be led by a commodore‑level commander with permanently stationed ships, additional response vessels and specialists. Plans include dredging a deeper port to allow larger coast guard ships to dock directly at Thitu, known locally as Pag‑asa and upgrading outposts on nearby Philippine‑held islets such as Kota and Parola to full station status.

The move comes against the backdrop of repeated confrontations. Chinese coast guard vessels have patrolled near Thitu, issuing radio warnings to Philippine aircraft , and harassing Filipino fishing boats, including aggressive use of water cannons near Escoda Shoal late last year, which injured Filipino fishermen.

The command’s establishment will also increase community support for residents, around 400 villagers who live and work on the island, including greater budgets for education, healthcare, and services.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, rejecting a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated its broad claims; Beijing has accused Manila of violating international law and threatening unspecified countermeasures.