A Beijing-based research institute has concluded that the expansion of Philippine military facilities open to US forces is proceeding more slowly than anticipated.
The South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative cited satellite imagery in a report published Thursday, noting that infrastructure development at these strategic nodes has fallen short of earlier projections.
The assessment arrives as Washington increasingly relies on uncrewed aerial vehicles and Philippine-based assets for surveillance operations in the region.
This marks a strategic shift away from traditional manned "freedom of navigation" missions toward a more distributed, technology-heavy posture.
Slower base development could constrain the logistical footprint required to sustain high-tempo drone operations and rapid response capabilities.
The report adds nuance to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea, where infrastructure modernization is a key metric of alliance deepening between Manila and Washington.