- A general said that Filipino soldiers defended themselves against an attack by the Chinese coast guard.
- According to reports, one soldier lost his thumb while others were injured and boats were damaged.
- Beijing has denied responsibility, but US and Philippine officials have criticized China.
According to the Philippines, Filipino soldiers had to defend themselves with their bare hands against Chinese coast guards armed with swords and knives.
Top Philippine military commander Gen. Romeo Browner criticized China for what he described as “reckless and aggressive” behavior while the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard were delivering supplies to Philippine troops in the disputed South China Sea on Monday.
Chinese coast guard personnel boarded their vessels and boarded and attacked the boats from the Philippines, injuring some and one soldier losing a thumb, according to the BBC.
In a statement posted online, Browner said: “The Chinese coast guard has no right or legal authority to interfere with our legitimate operations or damage our assets in our exclusive economic zone.”
He said that this incident is a flagrant violation of international maritime law, sovereignty and self-determination rights of the Philippines.
The Philippine military shared photos of the incident, showing damaged boats and Chinese personnel with blades.
Browner said the actions of the Chinese coast guard pose “significant” threats to regional stability, but added that the Philippines will work with its international partners to maintain peace in the region.
China's actions have been condemned by other nations.
The clash is being seen as the latest escalation in the disputed waters.
In April, video surfaced of a Chinese ship colliding with a Philippine ship while firing water cannons at it, as Business Insider's Chris Pinella reported at the time.
On Monday, US Ambassador to the Philippines Mary K. Carlson posted on X condemning China's “aggressive, dangerous moves.”
A Philippine Coast Guard commodore, meanwhile, said he believed China was trying to “stir up trouble”.
“They clearly hope that the US will also be outraged to justify their false narrative that Washington really wants to go to war against Beijing,” Jay Terrella wrote.
However, Beijing denied taking “direct actions” against Philippine troops, claiming the Philippines was responsible for the incident.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that China has acted in accordance with the law.
“The on-scene operations were professional, restrained, lawful and lawful,” Lynn said in a statement.