By Focus | 2025-08-28

Manila is reporting another round of Chinese pressure on a Philippine garrison manning a grounded ship.

Philippine troops closely monitored China Coast Guard and maritime militia ships that were supported by aircraft and operating near the BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea on August 20, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said, referring to its name for the South China Sea.

The shoal, known in the Philippines as Ayungin Shoal, is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands of the disputed South China Sea.

"China Coast Guard vessels have been seen conducting maneuvers and drills involving the use of water cannons at sea, while a number of smaller craft such as rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) and fast boats, were also deployed inside the shoal," the AFP said in a statement on August 21.

The AFP reported the presence of five China Coast Guard vessels, backed by 11 RHIBs and fast boats, along with nine Chinese maritime militia vessels.

It also monitored a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle operating nearby. Several of the smaller Chinese craft had heavy crew-served weapons.

The Philippines deliberately grounded the Sierra Madre, a former US Navy tank landing ship, at Second Thomas Shoal in 1999 to provide a permanent Philippine presence in the disputed waters.

A small detachment of Philippine Marines remains aboard despite repeated attempts by Chinese vessels to block or harass resupply missions.

Repeated Chinese harassment

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. directed troops stationed on the Sierra Madre to prevent any Chinese personnel from approaching or attempting to board.

Philippine troops positioned rubber boats to block attempts by Chinese craft to close in on the outpost.

The AFP's Western Command also ordered the removal of fishing nets laid by Chinese forces inside the shoal, describing them as deliberate obstructions that could hamper resupply missions.

Their removal would enable a resupply mission in the coming days, it added.

Philippine officials described China's recent drills as "unusual," noting the deployment of armed boats and the testing of water cannons.

Brawner said the Philippines succeeded in pushing back Chinese intrusions inside the shoal, although Chinese vessels remain nearby.

He stressed that supplying troops aboard the Sierra Madre is a legitimate right under international law and will not be abandoned.

Asked about China's continuing activities, Brawner said, "Let China violate international law. As long as we're here, we will remain in our post," the Inquirer reported.