China warns PH of consequences over Ayungin Shoal provocations

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense warned the Philippines about potential consequences if Manila continues to provoke and hype incidents at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Chinese defense spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang stated that all resulting consequences would be borne by the Philippines if it does not cease its alleged provocations.

Zhang cited reports of two small boats from the Philippine Navy approaching Chinese Coast Guard vessels in an 'unprofessional and dangerous manner' as examples of such provocations.

China also noted an increase in the number of its vessels near Ayungin Shoal, some reportedly equipped with machine guns, asserting that Ren'ai Jiao is part of China's inherent territory.

The Philippine Navy previously stated that a Chinese tugboat deployment near BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal was not cause for alarm but rather defensive in nature.

Ayungin Shoal, occupied by the Philippines and grounded with the WWII-era BRP Sierra Madre since 1999, remains a focal point of tension amid competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.