1、M a y 3,2 0 1 2 By Richard D.Fisher,Jr.E a s t a n D s o u t h C h i n a s E a s B u L L E t i n 3 Defending the Philippines:Military Modernization and the Challenges AheadAbout this publicationthe bulletin series provides timely analysis and information on security issues in the East and south Chin
2、a seas.For further information,please contact infocnas.org.Chinas increasing belligerence in the South China Sea has led the new president of the Philippines,Benigno“Noynoy”Aquino III,to make the most credible policy commitment in decades to improve Philippine military capabilities.China can now thr
3、eaten the ability of the Philippines to access resources located in its exclusive economic zone.1 China can also impede access to the sea lanes in the South China Sea,including those near the Philippines,which are crucial arteries for both regional and global trade.Under Aquinos leadership,the gover
4、nment has launched programs to build up the Philippine Air Force(PAF)and Philippine Navy(PN).How much assistance Manila will seek from the United States remains unclear.Since Ferdinand Marcos took power in 1965,successive Philippine governments have been unable or unwilling to invest in a credible e
