Maritime operations

China has for years spent billions of dollars to build a “bluewater navy” capable of projecting power far beyond its own shores, a strategic direction that dates to President Xi Jinping’s assumption of leadership in 2012.

These priorities are already visible in recent defense and security agreements between the Philippines and Japan. They include the 2024 Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which facilitates joint exercises and port visits, and the Acquisition and Cross‑Servicing Agreement (ACSA) signed in January 2026, enabling mutual logistical support between the two militaries. ² Taken together, Manila and Tokyo say these arrangements aim to foster a stable, law‑abiding maritime environment

The developments in Vietnam serve as a reminder that economic and security pressures in neighboring claimant states can have direct implications for Manila’s strategic posture, emphasizing the need for proactive maritime planning, regional coordination, and risk management.

The information acquired by the suspects include the list of Philippine Navy personnel, data of those engaged in WPS operations, and operational details like the timing and schedule of rotation and resupply missions in Philippine outposts in the area.