Philippine Navy: Chinese moves near Ayungin Shoal ‘unusual’

Chinese vessels, some mounted with armaments, were observed close to long-grounded Philippine warship BRP Sierra Madre in the vicinity of Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on Wednesday August 20, 2025. — Photo from Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office via Associated Press

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy on Friday flagged what it called “unusual” Chinese activities near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, where Manila maintains a small detachment aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.

Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said at least 25 Chinese vessels and two aircraft were spotted around the shoal as of Thursday. The sightings included 11 smaller service boats, five larger ships, and nine maritime militia vessels, along with a helicopter and a drone.

Video released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines also showed a China Coast Guard boat attempting to approach the Sierra Madre, where Filipino troops are stationed.

“It is unusual, although we are used to them,” Trinidad told reporters via phone interview. “It’s unusual for them to show weapons, to drop nets that can impede watercraft, and to demonstrate their water cannons.”

READ: Armed boats, water cannons seen in latest show of China aggression in Ayungin

Trinidad said troops removed fishing nets laid by Chinese vessels on August 20, describing them as obstructions meant to hamper resupply missions. He added that a covered heavy machine gun was also observed on a Chinese vessel.

Despite the heightened Chinese presence, Trinidad said morale aboard the Sierra Madre remains high.

“They know what they are facing… and the most important thing is that we are convinced of the legitimacy of our stand. This is for the country, for the future of Filipinos,” he said.

The Navy official declined to speculate whether the incident was connected to recent Chinese actions near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), saying the military is focused on monitoring and reporting.

On Aug. 11, a China Coast Guard vessel collided with a People’s Liberation Army Navy destroyer near Bajo de Masinloc in pursuit of the Philippine ship BRP Suluan.

Trinidad said the last similar activity near Ayungin was recorded in late 2024.

While no new orders have been issued, he said existing operational plans already cover possible scenarios should tensions escalate. /das