Philippines opens new coast guard station on Itbayat island near Taiwan to boost surveillance amid China's military buildup in the area.

The Philippines has opened a new coast guard station on Itbayat island near Taiwan to boost surveillance amid China's military buildup in the area. The Luzon Strait, between mainland Philippines and Taiwan, experienced a military buildup in 2022 when China responded to US-Taiwan political developments. The station aims to enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen security measures, and ensure peace and freedom of navigation in the Luzon Strait.