China Deploys Armed Small Boats to Second Thomas Shoal

Armed China Coast Guard small boats have deployed to Second Thomas Shoal, reinforcing Beijing’s presence in the area following recent tensions around the disputed areas of the South China Sea, according to the Philippine military. An Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maritime domain awareness (MDA) patrol on Wednesday observed 11 China Coast Guard watercraft forces exercising at Second Thomas Shoal with several armed fast boats and rigid-hulled inflatable boats. Compared to previous instances of China Coast Guard small boats, the Philippine military noted that these vessels “have been upgraded with mounted weapons.” A video released by Manila shows a Chinese