The Philippine military has accused Chinese coast guard personnel of aggressively striking a Filipino sailor on the head with a wooden baton during a confrontation in the South China Sea. The incident occurred at the Second Thomas Shoal, where personnel aboard a Chinese motorboat repeatedly struck the navy staff member, resulting in a serious head injury and damage to a smaller vessel.
The Philippine defense ministry described the attack as part of a clear pattern of provocative and hostile behavior by China. This latest seaborne confrontation adds to the ongoing tension in the region, where China continues to claim sovereignty over almost the entirety of the global trade route.
Beijing has disputed Manila's version of the clash, accusing the Philippines of malicious harassment of its own personnel. Chinese officials stated that the Philippines has distorted the facts and called for an end to provocations and misinformation.
Following the encounter, Beijing and Manila summoned each other's ambassadors on Tuesday. China lodged a solemn representation over the incident at the Second Thomas Shoal, while the Philippines sought accountability for the injury to its sailor.