The Philippines, which is a United States treaty ally in the South China Sea, received a new missile-armed warship on Tuesday, amid tensions with China over territorial disputes.
Newsweek has emailed both the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment.
Why It Matters
China has asserted that its territorial claims in the South China Sea, which overlap with those of regional nations, are supported by a series of international treaties. Meanwhile, the Philippines is backed by the U.S., as both sides have signed a mutual defense treaty.
Tensions in the South China Sea remain heightened due to face-offs and clashes between maritime forces of Manila and Beijing, which has the largest naval fleet in the world by hull count, with more than 370 vessels, as well as the world's biggest coast guard fleet.
What To Know
An arrival ceremony was held for the 3,200-ton corvette BRP Miguel Malvar at Naval Operating Base Subic in the province of Zambales. The warship was built in South Korea, where it departed the shipyard on March 27 and reached the Philippine base on April 4.
The 388-foot-long corvette has a range of 4,500 nautical miles [5,178 miles] with a speed of up to 25 knots [28 miles per hour]. It can execute anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-aircraft missions with advanced sensors and weapons systems, the Philippine navy added.
Besides serving as a deterrent and as a protector of the Philippine waters, the warship is an "important component" in operations as the Philippine military works alongside allies and upholds the norms of international law, said Philippine Defense Chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
Meanwhile, BRP Diego Silang, which is the Miguel Malvar's sister ship, was launched on March 28 in South Korea and is planned for delivery by June or July. They will serve as backstops for the two frigates currently in service, the Philippine News Agency reported.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the acquisition of the Miguel Malvar and the Diego Silang is part of a military modernization program, which aims to enhance the country's naval defense capabilities amid "evolving regional security dynamics."
The Philippine government has ordered two frigates, two corvettes, and six offshore patrol vessels from South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries as part of the naval modernization, which aims to build a robust fleet, specialist outlet Naval News reported.
In addition to surface warships, General Romeo Brawner Jr., head of the Philippines' Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said that getting submarines to defend the country is "a dream for us."
What People Are Saying
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said: "We thank our reliable partners, the people and the government of the Republic of Korea, not only in providing capabilities, but in building sustainability, redundancy, and resilience through actual capital investments." The Republic of Korea is the official name of South Korea.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines said: "Designed to serve as a force multiplier, the BRP Miguel Malvar (FFG-06) is expected to boost the operational readiness and maritime capabilities of the [Armed Forces of the Philippines]. It will play a critical role in protecting the nation's territorial integrity and advancing maritime domain awareness."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will transfer any of its decommissioned naval or coast guard vessels to the Philippines in the future. China is likely to enjoy a maritime dominance in the contested South China Sea waters near the Philippines in the meantime.
