Philippines aborts Ayungin Shoal resupply mission due to Chinese vessel interference

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aborted a rotation and resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal on Thursday night due to interference from Chinese maritime vessels. The mission, intended to deliver supplies and rotate personnel for the BRP Sierra Madre, was suspended after eight Chinese ships began closing in on the Philippine convoy.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, reported that the encounter occurred between 8:35 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The Chinese presence included three People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships—including two Houbei-class missile boats—and five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels.

The Philippine convoy, consisting of the MV Lapu-Lapu and three support vessels from the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard, was approximately 60 nautical miles (111 kilometers) from the shoal when the interference began. Trinidad noted that this encounter occurred much further from the outpost than previous incidents, where Chinese vessels typically approached within 15 to 19 kilometers. He described the actions as irresponsible and inconsistent with international maritime regulations.