China Coast Guard intercepts PCG vessels in Ayungin Shoal — maritime expert

MANILA, Philippines — A China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel was reportedly seen intercepting two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels near the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Ray Powell, a former US Air Force official and ex-Defense Attaché, reported the development on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

????BREAKING: ????????#Philippines Coast Guard BRP Cabra & BRP Cape Engano now passing ~14 nautical miles east of 2nd Thomas Shoal. They have been intercepted by ????????#China Coast Guard 5203 & at least 6 ????????maritime militia vessels, now closely shadowing. pic.twitter.com/lDnv3vQRm9

According to him, CCG 5203 blocked the passage of PCG ships BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engano, located 14 nautical miles east of Ayungin Shoal.

"At least 6 (Chinese) maritime militia vessels, now closely shadowing," Powell said.

The American maritime expert said that the PCG patrol vessels had initially transmitted their automatic identification signals (AIS) around midnight, 18 nautical miles south of Ayungin Shoal.

China then deployed an additional seven militia vessels "to bolster blockade around 2TS while CCG 5203 went south and first interdicted the 2 Philippine ships at 0700 (7 a.m.)," Powell added.

BRP Cabra and BRP Cape Engano were observed moving away from Ayungin Shoal, passing Sabina Shoal. 

But CCG 5203 continued to shadow the PCG vessels, while militia ships maintained their positions nearby, according to Powell.

The incident occurred during routine patrols in the area, with the CCG's largest vessel, known as the "monster ship," entering the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone on July 2. It disregarded a radio query from the PCG regarding its intentions.

Ayungin Shoal lies about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometres from China's nearest major landmass, Hainan island.