A clash occurred between Philippine Navy vessels and Chinese coast guard units near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, with each side accusing the other. The Philippines condemned China for using wooden sticks to injure Filipino sailors on the head, while China countered that the Philippines rammed ships and initiated attacks first. This incident happened ahead of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in Manila, where the South China Sea dispute is expected to be a major agenda item.
The Philippines and China each blamed the other for causing the confrontation between ships in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal area of the South China Sea on Monday, 21 July. The Philippines stated that Chinese coast guard officers struck Philippine Navy personnel on the head with wooden sticks, causing injuries and damaging the Philippine Navy’s rubber boats.
The Philippine military revealed that an 8-man Chinese coast guard rubber boat approached the BRP Sierra Madre warship, which the Philippines has grounded on the Second Thomas Shoal to serve as a military outpost, while taking photos and recording video.
When the Philippine Navy dispatched two rubber boats to push the Chinese vessels away, Chinese officers responded with violence. A 25-second video released by the Philippine military shows Chinese personnel hitting Filipino sailors on a rubber boat with wooden sticks.
The Philippine military condemned this act and called on the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the coast guard, and naval forces to cease their "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive" actions in what the Philippines calls the West Philippine Sea, and to comply with the 2016 International Arbitration ruling affirming the Philippines’ maritime rights under international law.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs described the use of violence against its naval personnel as "unacceptable behavior" and announced plans to file a diplomatic protest against China.
However, the Chinese coast guard issued a statement denying the accusations, claiming Philippine ships ignored multiple warnings, navigated dangerously, attempted to encircle and ram Chinese patrol vessels, and that Philippine personnel attacked Chinese officers first using paddles and wooden poles, forcing China to take "appropriate countermeasures." They asserted they exercised maximum restraint in controlling the situation.
China also accused the Philippines of distorting facts and making false allegations, calling on them to stop violating sovereignty, provocations, and spreading misinformation that causes misunderstandings.
China’s government-run Global Times newspaper published a 49-second video showing officers from both sides confronting each other holding paddles and wooden sticks, while Chinese personnel announced over loudspeakers, "This is the Chinese coast guard; please leave the area immediately."
The U.S. Department of State issued a statement condemning China’s conduct as "dangerous and aggressive" toward Philippine naval personnel, noting that China’s repeated provocations against the Philippines’ lawful maritime operations undermine regional peace and stability and contradict China’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully.
The latest incident occurred as Manila hosts the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, which includes Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The South China Sea dispute is expected to be a central topic of discussion among member states and dialogue partners.
The Second Thomas Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, about 200 nautical miles from its coast, and approximately 1,300 kilometers from mainland China. China refers to the area as Ren'ai Reef and claims nearly the entire South China Sea.
Tensions in this area have been ongoing. In June 2024, a violent clash between personnel from both sides resulted in a Filipino sailor losing a thumb. Following that, both countries reached a temporary agreement allowing the Philippines to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre. However, the latest clash highlights that disputes remain intense and the area vulnerable to future confrontations.
.sourceReuters /Associated Press