What Happened: Japan announced the planned acquisition of 10 new vessels for its coast guard, and the Philippines announced a $556 million purchase of two naval corvettes produced by South Korean manufacturer Hyundai, South China Morning Post reported Jan. 4.

Why It Matters: These acquisitions and purchases continue the regional buildup of naval vessels and capabilities that hedge against Chinese naval aggression. Military modernization is highly likely to continue and will be a driving force in regional security discussions and foreign policy. This buildup indicates that the South and East China Sea territorial disputes have not abated with COVID-19 and have actually accelerated, prompting these stronger maritime defense postures from rival claimants in Southeast and East Asia.

Background: There were 34 incursions into Japanese waters around the Senkaku Islands in 2021, up from 24 in 2020. On Nov. 18, 2021, Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannons to deter Philippine ships from resupplying troops on the Philippines’ Second Thomas Shoal.