Manila, July 20 (dpa/GNA) – A Philippine marine suffered a serious head injury during renewed confrontation between the Philippines and China in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippine military reported on Monday.
The report said members of the Chinese Coast Guard had struck the soldier with a baton, following an incident near Second Thomas Shoal, a coral reef in the Spratly Islands, some 200 kilometres west of the Philippine island of Palawan.
Since 1999, Philippine troops have been stationed aboard the stranded naval vessel BRP Sierra Madre in the area, which is claimed by China. Supply missions to the ship have led to repeated confrontation.
The Philippine military reported that an inflatable carrying eight Chinese Coast Guard personnel, approached the ship “unlawfully” to within close range. The Chinese crew reportedly took photographs and videos. Two Philippine inflatables then attempted to “calmy and non-confrontationally” escort the Chinese away from the area.
The Philippine military said the Chinese had responded “violently and aggressively,” striking a Philippine marine on the head with a wooden baton, and damaging one of the Philippine boats. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the incident and announced that it would take diplomatic action. There was no immediate response from Beijing.
China accused the Philippines of distorting the facts. According to a statement from the coastguard, the Philippine rubber dinghies repeatedly disregarded warnings and approached “in a dangerous manner”. The statement went on to say that the Filipino sailors had attacked the Chinese officials with oars and sticks.
The Chinese then responded with “equivalent countermeasures” in accordance with the law, according to the coastguard. There have been repeated clashes in the region. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and other countries reject those claims, citing a 2016 ruling under UN conventions. China does not recognize the ruling.
The South China Sea is not only believed to contain significant oil and gas reserves, but is also one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
GNA