The Philippines has accused Chinese coast guard personnel of aggressively striking one of its navy staff in the head with a wooden baton during an encounter in the South China Sea. The incident occurred at Second Thomas Shoal, which Manila calls Ayungin, and resulted in a Philippine sailor being injured and a navy rubber boat being damaged.

Details of the Incident

A Chinese Coast Guard rigid hull inflatable boat with eight personnel approached a grounded Philippine warship on Second Thomas Shoal, taking photos and videos. When two Philippine navy boats moved to drive the Chinese vessel away, its personnel reacted violently and aggressively, striking Philippine navy personnel with a wooden baton.

The Philippine military released a 25-second video clip showing the encounter, which can be seen as part of a “clear pattern of provocative and hostile behaviour” by China. The Philippines’ foreign ministry described the act of violence as “unacceptable” and warrants diplomatic action.

International Implications

Southeast Asian ministers are gathering in Manila this week for high-level meetings, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also in attendance. Tensions in the South China Sea are expected to be discussed, and the Philippines has called on China to put a stop to its “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive actions” within the West Philippine Sea.

The shoal is within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone and is 1,300 km from mainland China. China has denied allegations of aggressive conduct during encounters in the South China Sea and has accused the Philippines of trespassing in its waters.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.