The Philippines aims to modernize its military with a $6.2 billion plan amid South China Sea tensions. Despite clashes, China’s aggressive stance persists. The U.S. supports the Philippines’ defense efforts under their mutual treaty.
The Philippines is embarking on an ambitious Re-Horizon 3 military modernization initiative amidst the escalating territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Despite financial constraints, the country aims to bolster its defense capabilities through strategic acquisitions.
With an anticipated increase in defense expenditure, reaching US$6.2 billion in 2029, the Philippines seeks to enhance maritime and air defense capabilities to navigate regional complexities and safeguard its interests, according to GlobalData, a data and analytics company.
China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, some of it 500 miles (804 km) from the coast of China, in waters surrounding Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has militarized the Paracel and Spratly Islands by building military outposts and airstrips. Chinese coast guard and militia fishing fleets have swarmed these waters and there were frequent clashes with Philippine fishing and supply boats in recent months.
