The two ships were the last two of the US Navy's 14 Cyclone-class ships used in littoral or shallow-water operations. A flotilla of Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels has been trying to prevent the resupply of the Ayungin station. Last week, the resupply boats slipped past the blockade after the pursuing Chinese vessels reportedly got stuck in coral reefs near the entrance to the shoal. The number of Chinese vessels has dramatically increased in the past weeks, defense officials said. Aside from the station in Ayungin, the Philippines maintains troops in eight other features in the West Philippine Sea.

Source: Manila Times September 11, 2023 04:19 UTC