Chinese Coast Guard halts Philippine supply mission to Ayungin

Newly released footage from the Armed Forces of the Philippines taken yesterday, March 23, showed how Chinese Coast Guard vessels at the Ayungin Shoal (2nd Thomas Shoal) attacked and stopped the Philippine supply vessel Unaizah May 4 (UM4).

A Chinese Coast Guard vessel performed hazardous maneuvers, crossing paths with Unaizah May 4 that was hired to bring food and other supplies to soldiers at Ayungin Shoal. Following this, another Chinese Coast Guard ship maneuvered to block UM4, which almost resulted in a collision. And finally, Chinese Coast Guard vessels water-cannoned UM4, which inflicted damage to it.

Despite assistance from BRP Cabra, UM4 sustained severe damage and was incapacitated from continuing its mission.

Chinese maritime militia vessels further inflamed the situation by deploying floating barriers to prevent any further entry into the Ayungin Shoal, where Filipino soldiers are stationed as part of Philippine territory.