US ally Philippines unveils new warship as Xi watches; Pacific becomes war zone as China warns West?

The Philippines has launched its third Enhanced Tarlac-class Landing Platform Dock (LPD) as part of its ongoing naval modernization program. Built by PT PAL Indonesia, the future BRP Ilocos Norte will strengthen the Philippine Navy's amphibious warfare, strategic sealift, and humanitarian response capabilities. The launch comes as Manila continues boosting its maritime posture amid tensions in the South China Sea.