US condemns China’s ‘dangerous’ maneuvers during Ayungin resupply mission

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 28, 2026

Photo courtesy: Jay Tarriela | Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The United States has condemned China’s maritime forces for what it described as “dangerous” and “irresponsible” maneuvers that disrupted a Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton said the China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) used blocking maneuvers on Sept. 24 that threatened a collision with a Philippine vessel and prevented the completion of what he described as a lawful and routine resupply mission. 

“We stand by our Philippine allies and laud their professionalism and restraint,” Lipton said, while calling on Chinese maritime forces to stop what he called escalatory tactics that threaten freedom of navigation and a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said three PLAN warships, including two Houbei-class missile boats, and five China Coast Guard vessels interfered with the humanitarian rotation and resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre.

According to the AFP, the incident occurred from about 8:35 p.m. to 11 p.m. on September 24, while the Philippine supply vessel M/V Lapu-Lapu, accompanied by three Philippine Navy and Coast Guard support vessels, was around 60 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal. 

The mission was intended to deliver supplies and rotate personnel stationed aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.

The AFP said the Chinese vessels made repeated radio calls, closely monitored the Philippine ships and approached them at close range, prompting the mission to be temporarily suspended because of risks to personnel and vessels. 

The Department of National Defense later said the incident would not stop future Philippine resupply operations to Ayungin Shoal.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the mission remains a Philippine government operation and would continue despite what he described as a temporary setback. He added that recommendations on possible next steps had been submitted to the National Security Adviser. 

The Philippine government maintains that Ayungin Shoal lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone and cites the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award, which affirmed Philippine sovereign rights in parts of the West Philippine Sea. 

China, however, maintains its claim over the area and has repeatedly rejected the 2016 arbitral ruling.

In response to the US statement, the Chinese Embassy in Manila accused Washington of supporting Philippine actions at Ayungin Shoal and urged the US to stop what it described as “fanning the flames” and taking actions that could undermine regional peace and stability.