CHINESE BLOCKADE FORMATION SEEN NEAR AYUNGIN

(UPDATE) THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported on Thursday the sighting of several Chinese ships off Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal), while China Coast Guard 5901 — the world's largest coast guard ship — was seen off Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal).

The sightings occurred after the Philippines and China agreed to deescalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea through a bilateral consultation mechanism meeting in Manila.

The military said the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels were deployed in a two-line blockade formation near Ayungin.

On Wednesday, 23 Chinese vessels were spotted off Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef).

The 12,000-ton China Coast Guard 5901 was sighted just 600 meters away from

BRP Teresa Magbanua on Thursday.

The same ship was seen last month near Pag-asa Island (Thitu), Ayungin Shoal, Patag Island (Flat) and Lawak Island (Nanshan).

The AFP described the sailing pattern of China Coast Guard 5901 as "intrusive patrols aimed at asserting unlawful claims over areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone."

2024-07-04T16:09:16Z dg43tfdfdgfd