U.S. Turns Over Coast Guard Equipment to Philippines as Armed China Boats Close in on Disputed Shoal

The United States has reinforced its support for Philippine maritime security with a turnover of PHP1.9 million ($34,500) worth of fleet maintenance equipment to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as China expands its armed presence near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

The handover took place on August 18 at the PCG’s Fleet Maintenance and Repair Group (MRG) Workshop in Sangley Point, Cavite, the Philippines announced today. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) provided the assistance, aimed at strengthening the PCG’s ability to maintain and repair its vessels.

U.S. Embassy INL Director Kate Richie reaffirmed the commitment, stating, “INL pledged to continue supporting the MRG as they operationalize their maintenance facility and address vessel sustainment requirements comprehensively across the Coast Guard Fleet. This transfer of essential equipment and backup power supply will enable a broader and more effective equipment repair program.”

The 400-square-meter facility, inaugurated in May 2024 with PHP54 million ($950,000) funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Coast Guard technical assistance, complements Manila’s existing repair hub. Future U.S. assistance is set to include technical training, logistics planning, and additional equipment support.

Armed Chinese boats at Second Thomas Shoal

While Manila marked the handover, the Philippine military reported on August 21 that 11 China Coast Guard small boats — some equipped with mounted heavy machine guns — were observed operating near Second Thomas Shoal. A Philippine maritime domain awareness patrol also detected Chinese unmanned aerial vehicles, a Navy helicopter, cutters, and militia vessels during the exercise.

Video released by Manila shows a Chinese small boat with armed personnel in camouflage approaching a Philippine patrol. The Philippine military said the deployment “suggests that Beijing is seeking to deter Manila from further attempts to enter the area.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that Chinese coast guard and militia vessels, backed by air assets, remained near the BRP Sierra Madre on August 21 and 22. The grounded warship has served as a Philippine outpost since 1999.

China’s coast guard spokesperson Gan Yu warned Manila to cease “provocations and hype,” saying Chinese forces would continue to “safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

Rising tensions after past clashes

The standoff follows a series of confrontations, including a June 2024 clash at the shoal where Chinese coast guard personnel armed with small boats fought with Philippine Navy SEALs, injuring Filipino troops. Despite a temporary arrangement to reduce clashes, Beijing has steadily increased its deployments around disputed areas, including Scarborough Shoal.

The United States conducted its first freedom of navigation operation at Scarborough following last week’s collision between a Chinese destroyer and cutter during a pursuit of a Philippine Coast Guard ship. U.S. Navy destroyer USS Higgins (DDG-76) and littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS-20) encountered two Chinese frigates during the transit.

The South China Sea remains contested, with overlapping claims by the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. It is a major global trade route and a flashpoint for military tensions.