Philippines South China Sea

The promise came following campaign trail comments advocating a bilateral deal with Beijing over outstanding maritime and territorial disputes.

The new outposts reinforce the presence of Filipino troops in the hotly contested Spratly archipelago.

The call forms a neat bookend to Duterte's six years of controversial rapprochement with China.

The Philippine Coast Guard claims that Chinese vessels have maneuvered dangerously close to Philippine ships on four occasions over the past year.

The leading candidate's comments suggest that his victory in May could lead to an extension of President Rodrigo Duterte's divisive China policy.

The acquisition would equip the Armed Forces of the Philippines with a potent deterrent against Chinese adventurism in the South China Sea.

The election of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 initiated a wild swing in the country's policy toward China. Get set for more change in 2022.

The creation of an all-female unit of radio operators looks good for the Philippine Coast Guard, but does little to address the security challenges in the South China Sea.

Jay L. Batongbacal, a professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, on the South China Sea disputes and international law.

The United States reportedly approved export licenses for the helicopters, which are powered by American engines, earlier this month.

The move follows strong condemnations from senior ministers, including an expletive laden tweet from Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin.