The Japannews.yomiuri, By Shunpei Takeuchi and Akiko Yoshinaga / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondents, 20:00 JST, August 25, 2026
HANOI / BEIJING — Tensions are rising between the Philippines and China over Ayungin Shoal, known as Ren’ai Jiao in China, in the South China Sea.
Although the Philippines exercises effective control over the shoal, a skirmish broke out in July and crew in the China Coast Guard injured a member of the Philippine navy, leading to mutual accusations between the two sides.
Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. The shoal is under the effective control of the Philippines, although Manila and Beijing dispute sovereignty over the Spratly Islands. The Philippines grounded a decommissioned ship there in 1999 to establish a military outpost and has continued to conduct resupply operations.
In 2024, China and the Philippines reached a provisional agreement on resupply operations with the aim of easing tensions. However, clashes continue in the surrounding waters.
According to statements from the Philippine military and other sources, Chinese interference continues in the area around the shoal. A CCG vessel approached the Philippines’ grounded ship on July 20. The Philippine navy issued a warning, and then CCG personnel pushed back, resulting in a person on the Philippine side being struck by a stick and injured.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines to the Presidential Office and lodged a protest on the following day.
A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry pushed back at a press conference on the day, saying: “The Philippine side has distorted facts. By keeping its warship grounded at Ren’ai Jiao for decades running, the Philippines has been violating China’s sovereignty.” The spokesperson also demanded that the grounded vessel be moved and the area restored to its original condition.
The ongoing dispute over the shoal stems from a difference in interpretation regarding a provisional agreement reached between China and the Philippines in July 2024 concerning resupply operations for Philippine troops stationed there.
Although the details of the provisional agreement have not been disclosed, the Chinese Foreign Ministry explained at that time that “the Chinese side is willing to allow the Philippine side to carry out the transportation and replenishment on humanitarian grounds,” after inspection by the Chinese side and under Chinese supervision.
This reflected China’s position that “prior authorization” is required. However, the Philippine side holds the view that prior authorization is not necessary for supply operations. “China’s statement is inaccurate,” it said.
More people are questioning the effectiveness of the provisional agreement between China and the Philippines regarding resupply operations for troops stationed on the contested shoal. “A member of the navy was harmed simply for carrying out his duty. The provisional agreement is not working,” a Philippine senator said on Aug. 11, while calling on the Senate to investigate the terms of the agreement.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said, “China has no right to enter Ayungin Shoal in the first place.” “[Such arrangements] are intended to prevent miscalculations or mistakes that could lead to conflict,” Marcos said at a press conference in Manila on Aug. 14. “That does not somehow make you more vulnerable or give up any of our sovereign rights.”
