The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday reported another show of force by China in the West Philippine Sea, with armed vessels, water cannons, and drones spotted near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. According to AFP public affairs chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, troops aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre and monitoring assets observed three armed China boats while its coast guard vessel held a water cannon display in the area.

Espiritu, R. (2025, August 23). China vessels mass up at Ayungin. Manila Standard, p. A3.