The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday reported another show of force by China in the West Philippine Sea, with armed vessels, water cannons, and drones spotted near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
According to AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, troops aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre and monitoring assets observed three armed China boats while its coast guard vessel held a water cannon display in the area.
A Chinese vessel was also seen laying fishnets along the shoal’s southeast approach, while an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew overhead.
“Our continuous monitoring activity in the West Philippine Sea provides us with a clear picture of the operational environment and awareness of the situation,” Trinidad told reporters.
In total, five Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships, 11 rigid-hull inflatable and fast boats, and nine Chinese maritime militia vessels were present. A Chinese helicopter was also detected.
Trinidad said one small CCG boat attempted to approach the BRP Sierra Madre, but Philippine Navy rubber boats maneuvered to block it, based on a video released by the AFP.
“We affirm our commitment in performing our mandate to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea,” Trinidad said.
The military also reported a rise in Chinese vessel presence in Ayungin, although no schedule has been set yet for the next rotation and resupply (Rore) mission. The last Rore was conducted in June, a flashpoint of tensions that has previously led to violent encounters—including the June 17, 2024 mission where a Philippine Navy sailor lost a thumb in a clash with Chinese forces.
Beijing continues to assert sweeping claims over nearly the entire South China Sea despite the 2016 arbitral ruling that upheld Manila’s rights within its exclusive economic zone. Aside from Ayungin, China has also tightened its hold on Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, enforcing what experts describe as an “exclusion zone.”
This latest show of force comes just over a week after the Aug. 11 collision between a CCG ship and a Chinese navy warship near Panatag, which analysts warn could signal more aggressive Chinese actions in the contested waters.
