Philippines Fortifies Bases in Disputed Sea

The focus of these developments is on Pag-asa (Thitu) and Lawak (Nanshan) islands, featuring significant upgrades such as runway extensions and the construction of new sheltered harbors. Pag-asa remains the only Philippine-administered feature in the area with a permanent civilian population.

Images captured on August 14 and analyzed by Janes indicate that the construction of a sheltered harbor on the northwestern part of Pag-asa Island has been largely completed.

The runway is also being expanded from its original 1.3 kilometers to a planned 1.5 kilometers. The Philippine government has allocated 1.65 billion pesos for the Pag-asa airport project and an additional 300 million pesos for the port, alongside 1.08 billion pesos for the Lawak Island sheltered port project.

Operating hundreds of kilometers from mainland Palawan presents significant logistical challenges for the Philippines. Difficult weather conditions, shallow waters, and limited docking facilities frequently complicate the delivery of essential supplies like food and fuel, as well as construction materials and personnel.

The proximity of Pag-asa Island to the Chinese-controlled Subi Reef (Zamora Reef) adds security concerns, necessitating robust infrastructure. Permanent facilities enable government vessels to remain on-station for extended periods and offer better protection compared to more remote and temporary outposts.

The infrastructure improvements reflect lessons learned from past confrontations, particularly operations involving the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal). This area has been one of the most sensitive flashpoints between Manila and Beijing, with tensions escalating severely in June 2024 during a resupply mission.

Harrison Prétat of AMTI notes that improved runways and ports enhance the resilience of these outposts, allowing for more effective management of resupply operations. These upgrades reduce the vulnerability of Philippine forces in situations where provisional arrangements with China are necessary.

The Philippine government maintains that these development projects are a legitimate exercise of its authority over the areas it administers in the South China Sea. The Department of National Defense justifies the work as essential for supporting the welfare of civilian populations and military personnel stationed on the islands.

Conversely, China opposes all construction activities, asserting that these projects occur on territory under its jurisdiction. In response to increasing Philippine presence, a new Philippine Coast Guard facility was opened on Pag-asa Island earlier in 2026, signaling a strengthened monitoring and enforcement presence.

Senator Risa Hontiveros visited Pag-asa Island in February, underscoring Manila's unwavering determination to maintain its presence in the Spratly Islands.

Hontiveros explicitly stated the nation will not relinquish its claims, affirming the Philippines' commitment to holding its positions in the disputed waters.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recorded 35 Chinese vessels in the vicinity of disputed areas between September 15 and 21. This number represents a decrease from the 48 vessels observed the previous week.

Key areas monitored for Chinese maritime presence include Pag-asa Island, Ayungin Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). These figures reflect military observations and are not independently verified totals of Chinese vessels.

Recent incidents highlight the escalating tensions between Philippine and Chinese forces in close quarters. On September 7, a Philippine Coast Guard aircraft received a radio challenge and encountered flares near Subi Reef, while a separate flare incident occurred near Panganiban (Mischief) Reef.

The Philippines has called on China to cease such activities, referencing the 2016 arbitral award that sided with Manila. However, China has rejected these demands, asserting its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands (Nansha Qundao).

The ruling further clarified that features in the Spratly Islands do not generate their own exclusive economic zones. Despite this, the arbitration did not resolve sovereignty disputes over individual islands, and China continues to maintain that the ruling is invalid and refuses to recognize its binding nature.

These developments are crucial for improving the efficacy of maritime operations and maintaining a long-term presence.

Runway extensions enable safer and more consistent aircraft operations, which are vital for transporting personnel and supplies to these distant locations. Simultaneously, the newly constructed protected harbors facilitate consistent resupply efforts even during adverse weather conditions, reducing the impact of logistical challenges.

These expanded facilities lessen the reliance on long-distance travel from mainland Palawan, thereby altering the dynamics of regional maritime competition. The comprehensive infrastructure development is a strategic move to reinforce the Philippines' claims and presence in the South China Sea.