MANILA, Aug. 22 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) is not intimidated by the increased presence and activities of Chinese vessels in Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying there is nothing new to it.

"Their actions are coercive and aggressive. And in the past we have seen (a) similar number of vessels sa ating mga features (in our features) in the WPS," PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in an interview on Friday.

Five China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were observed in Ayungin Shoal on Aug. 20, with 11 rigid-hulled inflatable boats and fast boats, and nine Chinese maritime militia vessels.

Some of the CCG's fast boats were also observed to have been upgraded with mounted weapons, including heavy c...