South China Sea: why US is eyeing Philippines’ coastguard with 3-year training plan
The multimillion-dollar plan, while seemingly a routine partnership, will deepen Washington’s regional footprint under a non-military banner
Manila’s long-time ally, the United States, has launched a training programme aimed at strengthening the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) operational strategies and maritime law enforcement capabilities.
The move, however, could deepen dependence on Washington under the guise of civilian capacity-building, according to some observers, who point to a familiar “pattern” inherent in US partnerships.
In particular, the programme will provide technical courses for vessel operations and maintenance designed to develop PCG instructors.
It will also include nearly 60 formal courses and expert engagements in the Philippines, with USCG specialists providing advisory support for their counterparts in improving doctrines, procedures and training curriculum.
Josue Raphael Cortez, a full-time faculty member at the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, told This Week in Asia that while the initiative marked Washington’s commitment to Manila as an ally, the move was a double-edged sword as the American agenda would be to “ensure that its interests within the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific will be promoted”.