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Heavily armed Chinese boats stay near Ayungin despite fewer vessels
The Philippine Navy has monitored a slight decrease in the number of Chinese vessels around Ayungin Shoal on Monday, August 25, 2025, with thirteen Chinese maritime militia ships, two coast guard vessels, one People's Liberation Army ship, and two to three rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) present.
Despite the reduced numbers, some of these RHIBs were observed to be armed with heavy-caliber cruiser weapons, though these armaments were covered.
The Department of National Defense (DND) had previously stated that Filipino troops on the BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded warship serving as an outpost in the shoal, are safe.
Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro had suggested that the increased Chinese presence might be influenced by the recent conclusion of Exercise Alon, a joint naval drill between the Philippines and Australia.
The National Maritime Council is being kept informed, and experts have advised the Philippine government to prepare for potential escalations in the Ayungin Shoal area.
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