Philippine Defense Head Seeks to Boost Military Site Near Taiwan
- ‘Operational tempo’ for military will be higher starting 2024
- Teodoro says Batanes near Taiwan is nation’s ‘spearhead’
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The Philippines aims to boost military presence and infrastructure in the country’s northernmost province near Taiwan, according to its defense chief, amid tensions with Beijing over the South China Sea.
“Starting 2024, the operational tempo for the AFP will be higher,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was quoted as saying on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Teodoro, who was accompanied by military chief Romeo Brawner Jr. and other officials, made the comments after visiting a naval detachment in Batanes province where a naval base is also being constructed.