Published: 5:25pm, 17 Jul 2026Updated: 6:16pm, 17 Jul 2026A Philippine coastal defence project in Palawan province could complicate Chinese operations near the Spratly Islands, but is unlikely to close Manila’s military gap with Beijing and could turn one of the country’s most important naval hubs into a more prominent target in a crisis, analysts have said.On Monday, the Puerto Princesa City Council approved a Department of National Defence proposal allowing the Armed Forces of the Philippines to establish Coastal Defence Regiment assets and logistical facilities at Oyster Bay in Bahile village, one of the Philippine Navy’s most strategic bases.Oyster Bay...