Chinese vessels conduct drills near Ayungin Shoal

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported an increase in Chinese vessel activities near Ayungin Shoal, including water cannon drills and maneuvers with armed RHIBs, during its August 20 maritime domain awareness monitoring.

China Coast Guard vessels were observed conducting exercises involving water cannons while deploying smaller crafts like rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) and fast boats inside the shoal.

Some of these fast boats have been upgraded with mounted heavy weapons, raising concerns about their capabilities and intentions.

Five China Coast Guard vessels along with eleven RHIBs/fast boats, nine Chinese maritime militia ships, and aerial assets including a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle were spotted near Ayungin Shoal.

The AFP noted that two Philippine rubber boats blocked the approach of a CCG small boat attempting to get close to the BRP Sierra Madre, which has been stationed there since 1999.

Ayungin Shoal remains a key flashpoint for tensions between the Philippines and China, with recent incidents involving attempts to disrupt Philippine military resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre.