Marcos names new Philippine military chief amid South China Sea tensions

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has appointed Antonio Nafarrete as the new chief of the country's armed forces, the defense ministry announced Tuesday. Nafarrete, who previously served as the Philippine Army chief, succeeds Romeo Brawner.

Nafarrete brings 36 years of military experience, including combat and counter-insurgency operations against Islamist militants and communist guerrillas in the southern Philippines. He now leads the 160,000-strong military as it undergoes a multi-billion-dollar modernization program. This initiative aims to replace aging assets, some dating back to World War II, and bolster external defense and maritime security.

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aggressively striking a navy crew member in the head with a wooden baton.

The modernization push is particularly relevant given escalating tensions and repeated clashes between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea. Just Monday, the Philippine military accused China's Coast Guard of assaulting a navy crew member at the Second Thomas Shoal, an allegation China denied, calling it a distortion of facts.

Nafarrete's appointment also coincides with the Philippines strengthening security partnerships beyond its traditional alliance with the United States. The nation is expanding cooperation with Japan, Australia, Canada, and several European countries. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1990, Nafarrete will serve a fixed three-year term until July 2029, unless removed by the president.

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the allegation was false and accused Manila of distorting facts.