Amid rising tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, the United States has announced plans to fund and build a new fast-attack boat base on the western coast of Palawan. The facility will initially accommodate and deploy at least five vessels, including assault boats and rigid-hulled inflatable boats, all to be manufactured by the U.S.-based company ReconCraft. In addition to munition storage and conference rooms, the base will serve as a strategic launch point for Philippine Navy and Coast Guard patrols into contested waters.