The Philippines reported an unusual Chinese show of force near Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed reef in the South China Sea’s Spratly Islands. The Philippine military observed 14 Chinese coast guard and maritime militia ships, some armed with heavy weapons, along with a helicopter and a drone near its military outpost. Manila’s defense chief condemned this deployment, highlighting the presence of five coast guard cutters, nine militia ships, and smaller armed boats inside the shoal. The Chinese vessels reportedly came as close as 50 meters to the Philippine warship BRP Sierra Madre, prompting Filipino boats to intervene and prevent closer Chinese incursion. n18oc_world n18oc_crux