Following renewed tensions with Chinese vessels, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Tuesday that it would increase its presence near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The PCG's West Philippine Sea spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated that the PCG will increase patrols in Ayungin Shoal.

On Saturday, the Chinese Coast Guard allegedly blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine warships while escorting charter boats transporting food, water, fuel, and other supplies to Filipino military forces stationed at Ayungin Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

One of the charter boats did not make it to the shoal, while another successfully discharged its cargo.

Tarriela said that the PCG may send more vessels to accompany resupply operations.

Ayungin Shoal is approximately 200 kilometers from Palawan and over 1,000 kilometers from China's nearest significant landmass, Hainan Island.

China insisted on Monday that it had taken "necessary controls" against Philippine boats that had "illegally" entered its seas and that it was "professional and restrained."