(NewsNation) — U.S. Coast Guard ships that previously operated in the Middle East have been deployed to Singapore and the Philippines as Washington works to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific Ocean.

The six 154-foot fast-response cutters were first deployed in the western Pacific, where tensions have increased in recent years as Beijing expands its maritime claims and conducts what officials described as a "gray-zone" campaign around Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea.

The deployment comes as countries across Asia and Oceania increase defense spending. Semafor reported spending in the region rose more than 8% last year, marking the largest increase in nearly two decades.

The United States has also expanded its military presence in the region, including testing missile systems and conducting more complex exercises with allies. Though officials said deterring Beijing in its own region remains "a challenge," The Wall Street Journal reported.

 Trump urges faster weapons production to strengthen US military 

A Coast Guard spokesperson told WSJ the cutters are approved to operate from Singapore and Subic Bay in the Philippines through at least September. While larger Coast Guard vessels have previously operated from Subic Bay, this marks the first time the smaller fast-response cutters have been deployed there, the outlet said.

The Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, has become a key location for American military operations in the region due to its proximity to Taiwan and the South China Sea. Singapore maintains a longstanding agreement allowing U.S. naval forces to use certain facilities.The Coast Guard cutters are operating in support of U.S. Pacific Command, which oversees a vast area stretching from India to beyond Hawaii.

The vessels previously served in the Middle East following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, supporting maritime security and infrastructure protection efforts. In recent years, they helped intercept drug and weapons shipments in areas including the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

The cutters were moved out of Bahrain earlier this year as tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated. The ships do not have missile defense systems.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.