China Philippines clash: What happened between Chinese coast guard sailors and Philippine naval vessels this week?

Chinese coast guard sailors were seen wielding knives, an axe and other weapons during a clash with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea. This incident marks another tense confrontation between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months, amid Beijing's intensified efforts to assert control over the disputed region.

According to an AFP report, the confrontation occurred on Monday, when Philippine forces were attempting to deliver supplies to marines stationed on a deliberately grounded warship at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. This move was initially made in 1999, with the motive of reinforcing Manila's territorial claims.

General Romeo Brawner, head of the Philippine military, reported that the Filipino crew, outnumbered and unarmed, defended themselves using "bare hands". During the altercation, a Filipino sailor lost a thumb, and the Chinese coast guard allegedly seized or destroyed Philippine gear, including weapons, as per the military's account.

Late Wednesday, the Philippine military released fresh footage depicting Chinese sailors in small boats, brandishing knives and sticks. The sailors were seen hitting an inflatable boat while shouting, as a siren wailed in the background.


In one video clip shared by Manila, a Chinese sailor on the deck of a boat is clearly seen brandishing an axe. Another segment shows a sailor using a stick to strike the inflatable boat, while a second man stabs the boat with a knife.

According to the Philippines military, the axe-wielding sailor "threatened to injure" a Filipino soldier, with others "explicitly threatening to harm" Philippine troops. A senior navy official described the actions of the Chinese coast guard as reminiscent of a "band of barbarians."

But in a major twist, photos released by Beijing's state media on Wednesday contrast sharply with Manila's footage. They do not show any instances of Chinese forces with weapons.

Responding to Manila's videos, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian dismissed the violence claims as "totally bogus accusations that confuse black with white". He blamed the Philippines for heightening tensions, accusing them of attempting to ram Chinese boats and alleging that Philippine vessels were smuggling building materials and military equipment.