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China-Philippines Clash: Navy Staffer Hit
21 Jul
Summary
- Philippine navy personnel struck by wooden baton during sea encounter.
- China accuses Philippines of provocation and dangerous actions.
- U.S. condemns China's 'dangerous and aggressive' actions.
Tensions escalated in the South China Sea as China and the Philippines traded accusations following a vessel encounter on Monday. The Philippines reported that its navy personnel were aggressively struck with a wooden baton by Chinese Coast Guard members near the Second Thomas Shoal. This incident occurred while Chinese personnel were photographing and videoing a grounded Philippine warship.
Video released by the Philippine armed forces appears to show a crew member being hit. The Philippine military called for an end to China's "illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions" and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award. In response, China's Coast Guard accused Philippine vessels of ignoring warnings, ramming a Chinese patrol boat, and initiating the attack with paddles and wooden poles.
Beijing stated its forces exercised "utmost restraint" and accused Manila of distorting facts. The U.S. State Department condemned China's "dangerous and aggressive" behavior, citing a pattern that undermines regional peace. This maritime dispute is expected to be a key topic at upcoming Southeast Asian foreign ministers' meetings in Manila.
