Philippine Coast Guard beefs up forces in South China Sea to counter Chinese claims

The Philippine Coast Guard's flagship BRP Terersa Magbanua patrolling waters near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Feb 9, 2023. - PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has moved to bolster its presence in the South China Sea amid rising tensions with Beijing over disputed waters.

The PCG said on Friday (Feb 17) that it has deployed its flagship vessel, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, since Jan 28 to patrol the Spratly Islands – which Manila calls the Kalayaan Group of Islands – in a bid to help defend Filipino fisherfolk sailing in the area.