Military chief warns red line at Ayungin Shoal as Chinese activity increases

Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that soldiers will maintain 'maximum tolerance' at Ayungin Shoal despite an increase in Chinese vessel and activity presence.

Brawner emphasized that a red line would be crossed if a Filipino dies as a result of another force's actions, noting that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had previously made this point public.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently released footage showing increased Chinese movements near Ayungin Shoal, including air assets and armed boats attempting to approach the BRP Sierra Madre.

Soldiers are instructed to drive away any Chinese vessels trying to get too close to the Sierra Madre; however, Brawner noted that they have contingency plans if boarding attempts occur.

The Philippines has been transparent about tensions in the West Philippine Sea, with incidents like the June 2024 confrontation between Filipino soldiers and Chinese Coast Guard forces highlighting the ongoing disputes.

Despite recent provisional arrangements to reduce tensions, General Brawner expressed cautious optimism regarding future rotations and resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.