MANILA — A maritime security expert has characterized the recent influx of Chinese ships into the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal as an “unprecedented” event.
Ray Powell, director of SeaLight and Project Lead for Project Myoushu at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, revealed that satellite imagery captured an extraordinary 11 Chinese vessels inside the shoal, along with an additional 27 surrounding the area, some of which were engaged in a confrontation with Philippine supply boats.
The intrusion, lasting 24 hours after a Sunday confrontation with Philippine supply boats, is considered highly unusual since Chinese vessels typically return to their base in Panganiban (Mischief) Reef once the Philippine supply mission is completed.
Powell pointed out that none of the ships had their Automatic Identification System (AIS) turned on, underscoring the calculated nature of this show of force by Beijing.
Tensions escalated as 27 Chinese militia ships and the China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5402, engaged in multiple confrontations with Philippine vessels, were detected around the shoal.
Powell expressed deep concern over China’s “aggressive behavior” throughout the weekend, citing reckless maneuvers and dangerous encounters involving the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.
Japan has raised serious concerns about actions escalating regional tensions, echoing a statement emphasizing cooperation with regional groups to protect free, open, and peaceful seas.
The Philippines has consistently adhered to the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal award, which invalidated China’s claim on the South China Sea, while Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force.
In response to China’s aggressive actions, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, along with counterparts from Japan and the Philippines, urged China to cease its provocative behavior.
Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder highlighted the coercive and unlawful actions, expressing US support for the Philippines in defending sovereign rights in accordance with international law.
The defense secretaries of the US and the Philippines agreed to enhance bilateral and multilateral coordination with like-minded partners to bolster interoperability and accelerate the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, reaffirming a shared vision of a free and open region grounded in transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.
(Amado Inigo/MNM)
