AFP: China ships with mounted weapons swarm Ayungin Shoal

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has seen an unusual spike in Chinese activities on Ayungin Shoal, including the deployment of coast guard ships, militia vessels and fast boats equipped with mounted weapons.

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In a statement on Thursday night, August 21, the AFP said its monitoring detected five China Coast Guard vessels on the shoal on Wednesday, August 20. They were supported by 11 rigid-hulled inflatable boats and fast boats, and nine Chinese maritime militia vessels.

This is close to where the BRP Sierra Madre, an active, rusting Philippine Navy vessel, is marooned and serves as a military station in the disputed waters.

“Some of the CCG’s fast boats were also observed to have been upgraded with mounted weapons, including heavy crew-served weapons,” the AFP said.

Aerial assets were also observed, including a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle.

The AFP also monitored what appeared to be water cannon drills conducted by coast guard vessels near the shoal.

The military’s monitoring further documented Chinese vessels deploying fishing nets along the southeast approach of Ayungin Shoal.