With upcoming upgrades to naval bases facing the South China Sea, Manila is set to expand its reach into the disputed littorals off Palawan via the deployment of Marine Corps and Naval Special Operations Group watercraft.

The United States is discussing the possible deployment of more missile launchers to the Philippines to strengthen deterrence against aggression in the disputed South China Sea and other security hotspots,

Footage shows a Chinese coast guard vessel chasing a Philippine boat and then ramming a Chinese warship. It was the latest confrontation in the contested waters.