PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Philippines – China has deployed five vessels – a survey ship, a frigate and three surveillance vessels – close to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Nomad plane saw the Chinese deployment while delivering provisions to the Marine troops on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

The STAR joined yesterday’s airdrop operations and saw several Chinese ships in the area.

The Chinese vessels include two surveillance ships with Bow No. 3111 and 3102; XiangYonghong 10, a survey ship; a Jianghu-V Class frigate, and one unmarked white ship from their forward naval station at Panganiban Reef.

Read more: http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/05/04/1319161/5-chinese-vessels-deployed-near-shoal