Philippines seeks naval self-reliance as South China Sea threats grow: ‘we wasted 6 years’

Defence analysts say Manila’s local shipbuilding push could help to bolster its fleet against an increasingly assertive China

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Chinese personnel look at the BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated World War II-era Philippine navy vessel grounded at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. Photo: China Coast Guard/Handout via Xinhua

Published: 12:30pm, 31 Aug 2024Updated: 11:30am, 2 Sep 2024

After years of inaction under a pro-Beijing administration, the Philippines is now focused on strengthening its presence in the South China Sea by reviving local shipbuilding – a strategic pivot many analysts argue is long overdue.

Initially announced in 2012, the Philippine Navy’s modernisation plan aimed to acquire a robust fleet, including six anti-air warfare frigates and three attack submarines. Yet, as of this year, it only operates two modern frigates – the BRP José Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna – alongside a handful of other vessels, leaving it vulnerable in a region fraught with tension.

“We wasted six years,” defence analyst Jose Antonio Custodio told local media on Tuesday, reflecting on former president Rodrigo Duterte’s tenure, during which Manila pivoted towards Beijing and steered away from military cooperation with the United States.

“Now, we have to catch up. It’s high time to mobilise our industries and people.”

With clashes between Philippine and Chinese vessels becoming more frequent in the South China Sea, rising tensions have sharpened Manila’s focus on defence.

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In January, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr allocated around US$35 billion towards military modernisation, approving the “Re-Horizon 3” initiative that prioritises upgrading naval forces over the next decade.