Overview

• Manila reported at least five China Coast Guard cutters, 11 fast boats with mounted heavy weapons, nine maritime militia vessels, a helicopter and a drone operating close to the BRP Sierra Madre.
• Philippine officials documented water‑cannon drills, small boats inside the shoal, and netting laid across an entrance used for past resupply runs.
• Two Philippine rubber boats were launched from the Sierra Madre to block approaches, with one Chinese craft reportedly closing to about 164 feet.
• The China Coast Guard said it had implemented unspecified 'control measures' and accused Philippine boats of provocative maneuvers, releasing a short video to support its account.
• As tensions rose, the Philippines and Australia said they aim to sign a new defense cooperation pact next year, with large Exercise ALON underway following a recent collision between Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal.