Philippines military flags security risks from Chinese-linked steel plants

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has raised security concerns regarding Chinese-linked steel plants positioned near strategic military and government infrastructure. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that some facilities, such as the Sanjia Steel Corp. plant in Misamis Oriental, are located near Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, including Lumbia Airport, and are within range of the AFP’s 4th Infantry Division and Laguindingan Airport.

Trinidad suggested that these economic ventures could serve as fronts for broader security-related activities, drawing parallels to previous concerns regarding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

In a related development, the AFP confirmed that Philippine and U.S. personnel attempted to access the Sanjia Steel premises on August 19 to assess the site for potential use in bilateral military exercises. The team, which included staff from the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority, departed after being informed they lacked the necessary written authorization to enter the 22.6-hectare site. The U.S. Embassy noted that entry was not insisted upon during the visit.