China vessels intercept 2 PCG ships in Ayungin

MANILA, Philippines — Chinese coast guard and militia ships reportedly blocked two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships on patrol in Ayungin Shoal and forced them out of the area, according to a defense and maritime security expert tracking the movement of ships in the South China Sea.

In a post on X on Sunday, Ray Powell of SeaLight said the PCG’s 44-meter BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engaño were “intercepted” by China Coast Guard (CCG) ship with bow number 5203 and by “at least” six maritime militia vessels. The PCG has not yet issued a statement on Powell’s report.

The two PCG ships were spotted “passing ~14 nautical miles east of Second Thomas Shoal,” Powell, a former US Air Force official, said, referring to Ayungin Shoal by its international name.

They also “illuminated their AIS (automatic identification system) broadcasts around midnight, 18 (nautical miles) south of Second Thomas Shoal.”

Powell said the Chinese reacted by “dispatching seven more militia to bolster blockade” around Ayungin Shoal while CCG 5203 “went south & first interdicted” the two PCG ships at (7 a.m.)”

He said the Chinese’ blocking manuever appeared to have forced Cabra and Cape Engaño to “move away from Second Thomas Shoal to the (southeast)” toward Escoda Shoal.

“China Coast Guard 5203 still shadowing while militia ships remain in position east of (Second Thomas Shoal),” he added.

It’s on Ayungin Shoal where the BRP Sierra Madre was deliberately beached in 1999 to serve as a Philippine military outpost.

Last June 17, CCG personnel boarded Filipino boats involved in supply mission to Sierra Madre and destroyed their communications and navigation equipment using bladed weapons and clubs. — Jose Rodel Clapano