“The Pentagon released notices within the last month for upcoming projects at key facilities in Palawan used by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces in the Philippines. These efforts mark the latest in American support for Philippine forces on the island province bordering territorial dispute hotspots in the South China Sea. Manila uses ports and airfields on Palawan to stage forces that are frequently in contact with Chinese forces around the Spratly Islands. Manila and Beijing have frequently clashed in a hybrid conflict around contested maritime features since 2022.”
“This project follows last summer’s U.S. funding of Philippine Navy and Marine Corps small boat ports on the Western Coast of Palawan. Manila relies on sites to quickly deploy forces to resupply and support its nine possessions in the disputed area. There is also a potential support capability for unmanned surface vessels to be provided to the Philippines with American assistance, according to the documents reviewed by USNI News.”
“Another project aims to refurbish the fueling facilities at Antonio Bautista Air Base. The Philippine Air Force base is used to stage maritime patrols and military exercises in Palawan and its surrounding waters. The base is also one of nine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, a group of Philippine bases and locations that American forces are allowed to access through a 2014 deal.”