New coast guard station on Thitu Island counters China

The Philippines has constructed a new coast guard station on Thitu Island in the South China Sea, equipped with advanced technology to monitor Chinese vessels and aircraft. Tensions have risen as the Philippine coast guard observed a Chinese navy ship and militia vessels near the island. The facility aims to counter "gray-zone tactics" and illegal behavior. Thitu Island is strategically important and subject to conflicting territorial claims. The South China Sea sees over $3 trillion in trade annually.