Chinese troops armed with axes and sticks attack Filipino navy boats in South China Sea
- In Reports
- 12:35 PM, Jun 20, 2024
- Myind Staff
Chinese coast guard personnel aboard more than eight motorboats allegedly rammed two Philippine navy inflatable boats multiple times in a disputed shoal within the South China Sea. They reportedly boarded the vessels and caused damage using machetes, knives, and hammers, marking a new escalation in tensions between the two nations.
Filipino officials stated that the Chinese personnel assaulted the boats to obstruct Philippine navy troops from delivering essential supplies, including food and firearms, to Filipino troops stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal, a territory claimed by Beijing.
After a dispute and multiple collisions, Chinese coast guard personnel reportedly boarded Philippine navy vessels and confiscated eight M4 rifles packed in cases, along with navigation equipment and other supplies, as disclosed by two Filipino security officials to The Associated Press.
According to security officials, there was a confrontation with several Filipino navy personnel, resulting in injuries to multiple individuals, including one who lost his right thumb.
Videos released by the Philippine military depict Chinese troops brandishing knives towards Filipino navy personnel and surrounding two Philippine navy supply boats with their own vessels. The footage captures sirens blaring amidst shouting between both parties. The Chinese personnel are seen damaging the Filipino boats with a pole and attempting to seize them using what appears to be a bag attached to a stick.
General Romeo Brawner Jr, head of the Philippine armed forces, has likened Chinese troops to "pirates" for their actions during a recent skirmish and demanded the return of rifles and equipment taken during the incident. Speaking at a press conference in Palawan province, western Philippines, Brawner Jr awarded a medal to an injured navy officer in recognition of his bravery.
"We are demanding that the Chinese return our rifles and our equipment, and we are also demanding that they compensate for the damage they caused," Brawner Jr stated firmly.
He criticised the Chinese actions, describing their boarding of Philippine boats and seizure of equipment as illegal and equating their conduct to piracy. Brawner Jr highlighted the defiance shown by Filipino navy personnel, who, despite being outnumbered, resisted Chinese personnel armed with knives and machetes using their bare hands, successfully repelling them.
"We commend the bravery displayed by our navy troops in standing their ground against the aggressive actions of the Chinese," Brawner Jr added, emphasising the resilience and determination of the Filipino forces in the face of adversity.
The recent skirmish at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea saw Philippine and Chinese forces clash. The Philippine Navy accused Chinese Coast Guard personnel of aggressive actions, including seizing equipment and injuring personnel. General Romeo Brawner Jr, head of the Philippine armed forces, condemned the incident, describing it as illegal and likening the Chinese actions to piracy.
In response, China blamed the Philippines for trespassing into the shoal despite warnings, stating their coast guard acted with restraint to stop what they deemed an illegal supply mission. The United States, an ally of the Philippines, expressed support for Manila and criticized China's actions.
Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, is claimed by multiple countries including China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, reflecting ongoing territorial disputes in the region.
Image source: India Today
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