Earlier it was reported that the Philippine armed forces chief said that the construction of a new naval base opposite the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea was “a top priority.”
Since then, Philippines have made progress on its construction. On June 2, it was reported that the Philippine Navy (PN) had released images affirming that it had completed the first major access road to a naval pier being built there.
According to the PN, the road, which is part of what is described as a three-year development to make Oyster Bay a major naval harbor for the Philippines as well as visiting allies, would now allow the construction of the naval pier to move faster.
More precise details are still publicly unavailable as many of these plans remain classified.
It was previously indicated that the base would be able to hold a few large naval vessels, including a few US ones as well.
The military officials have also noted that having a base so close to the South China Sea would permit the armed forces of the Philippines to significantly shorten the travel time of its vessels and minimize fuel and other logistical costs, as well as boost the morale of troops stationed nearby.
