MANILA, Philippines —The Philippine Navy (PN) on Tuesday said 20 Chinese ships have been swarming the area of BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) since Aug. 20, 2025.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), said there was a dip to four maritime militia vessels and only two Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships in the area due to recent weather disturbances.

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“The laying of nets happened only on the 20th and 21st of August. Afterward, there was no such report of the laying of nets nor further reports on the approaches of the speed boats or the rhib close to BRP Sierra Madre,” Trinidad said.

In photos and videos released, the Chinese ships in Ayungin Shoal were accompanied by rhibs and fast boats equipped with mounted weapons. This comes even after the Aug. 11 collision between two Chinese ships in Bajo de Masinloc as they tried to chase a Filipino vessel. Fishing boats were also seen deploying nets in the shoal.

A small boat even attempted to approach the BRP Sierra Madre but was pushed away by Filipino troops on board two rubber boats.

PH Navy spots 20 Chinese ships near BRP Sierra Madre

The Chinese activity was described as an unusual show of force and aggression on top of other coercive acts like water cannoning drills.

Despite this, the troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre are steadfast in defending the country’s territory, said Trinidad.

“The morale of our men is always high. They are aware of the support that the AFP, the DND, and the national government is extending to them,” Trinidad said.