The Philippines has opened a new coast guard base on Thitu Island, located in the disputed South China Sea, according to government officials.

The facility represents a significant development in the Philippines' efforts to strengthen its presence in the strategically important waterway. Thitu Island, known locally as Pag-asa Island, is part of the Spratly Islands chain where multiple countries have competing territorial claims.

The South China Sea has been a source of ongoing regional tensions, with China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan all asserting various claims over different areas of the sea. The disputed waters contain important shipping lanes and are believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves.

The establishment of the coast guard base comes amid broader regional discussions about maritime security and territorial rights in the South China Sea. The Philippines has previously maintained a civilian and military presence on several features in the area as part of its territorial claims.

Details about the size, capabilities, and operational scope of the new coast guard facility have not been immediately disclosed by Philippine authorities.