On the issue of the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippines has been stoking domestic populism.
The Manila Times reported that the Philippine Navy stated on Tuesday that 20 Chinese vessels have been continuously entering the shallow waters of the Second Thomas Shoal, where the "Mount Makin" area has been stranded for a long time since August 20, 2025.
Major General Roy Vincent Trinidad, the spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) responsible for the South China Sea, said that due to recent weather disturbances, four maritime militia vessels and only two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were reduced in the area.
"The netting was only conducted on August 20 and 21. After that, there were no reports of netting being laid, nor any further reports of speedboats or RHIBs approaching the 'Mount Makin' area," said Trinidad.
In the released photos and videos, the Chinese vessels at the Second Thomas Shoal were accompanied by cavalry weapons and speedboats.
Trinidad asserted that, despite this, the forces stationed illegally on the Mount Makin BRP at the Second Thomas Shoal remain steadfast in their "sharing the fate of the ship."
"The morale of our soldiers is always high. They know that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of Defense, and the national government are providing them with support," said Trinidad.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842191850738752/
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