Chinese ships with mounted weapons swarm Ayungin Shoal – AFP
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines has seen an unusual spike in Chinese activities on Ayungin Shoal, including the deployment of coast guard ships, militia vessels and fast boats equipped with mounted weapons.
In a statement on Thursday night, August 21, the AFP said its monitoring detected five China Coast Guard vessels on the shoal on Wednesday, August 20. They were supported by 11 rigid-hulled inflatable boats and fast boats, and nine Chinese maritime militia vessels. This is close to where the BRP Sierra Madre, an active, rusting Philippine Navy vessel, is marooned and serves as a military station in the disputed waters..
"Some of the CCG's fast boats were also observed to have been upgraded with mounted weapons, including heavy crew-served weapons," the AFP said.
Aerial assets were also observed, including a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle.
The AFP also monitored what appeared to be water cannon drills conducted by coast guard vessels near the shoal.
The military's monitoring further documented Chinese vessels deploying fishing nets along the southeast approach of Ayungin Shoal.
Photos and videos taken on Wednesday and released by the armed forces last night showed coast guard vessels rehearsing water cannon maneuvers, smaller boats carrying mounted weapons, and aerial surveillance by Chinese aircraft and drones.
The AFP also shared a video of two Philippine rubber boats "blocking the attempt of a Chinese Coast Guard small boat to go near BRP Sierra Madre," where Filipino troops are stationed.
On the ready. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP's public affairs, said they are prepared to respond to "any eventualities" and are constantly monitoring the situation in the West Philippine Sea.
“Our continuous monitoring activity in the WPS provides us with a clear picture of the operational environment and awareness of the situation. The AFP has contingencies emplaced for any eventualities," Trinidad said.
"We affirm our commitment in performing our mandate to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the WPS,” he added.
Flashpoint at sea. Ayungin Shoal, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.
Since 1999, Manila has stationed a small contingent of troops on the grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre as a naval outpost to assert its claim.
The shoal has been a flashpoint in recent years, with CCG ships routinely blocking Philippine missions that rotate troops and bring fresh supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre.
China’s attempts to interfere with these missions have triggered some of the most serious confrontations in the South China Sea in recent years.
In June 2024, the AFP reported that the CCG rammed Philippine vessels, boarded their boats, brandished axes and knives, and seizing firearms and equipment as they disrupted a RORE mission. At least eight Filipino personnel were hurt, including one who temporarily lost a thumb.
In response, the Philippines lodged diplomatic protests and demanded compensation and the return of seized gear and firearms. A temporary agreement — or “understanding” — came into effect the following month, allowing RORE missions to be conducted without incident, though China's maritime presence in the shoal remained high.
RELATED: Philippines-China deal: Clashing claims amid 'fragile truce' over Ayungin
China has repeatedly rejected the 2016 arbitral ruling that struck down its expansive claim to almost the entire South China Sea. It continues to deploy coast guard and militia vessels in the tense waterways despite international calls to comply with the binding decision.
- Latest
- Trending
