Key facts
- The Philippine coast guard is preparing for an expanded role in the South China Sea.
- The agency faces funding constraints that could limit its operational capacity.
- Increased operational demands are stretching the coast guard's resources.
The Philippines is preparing to assign its coast guard greater responsibilities in the contested South China Sea. However, the agency is grappling with funding limitations that could hinder its ability to fulfill these new duties, as well as maintain its current fleet of ships, aircraft, and personnel. The coast guard's operations are increasingly stretched by demanding activities in waters claimed by the Philippines, while budget constraints threaten its capacity to keep existing assets operational.