Philippine Navy personnel hurt in China coast guard baton attack
A Philippine Navy sailor was injured after a Chinese coast guard crew attacked him with a wooden baton during a confrontation at Ayungin Shoal. The Philippine government has condemned the act as a violent and unlawful escalation in the West Philippine Sea.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing and volatile territorial disputes in the South China Sea, increasing the risk of regional military conflict.
MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine Navy personnel stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal was struck and injured in the head by a Chinese coast guard crew who - along with several others - tried to approach and possibly board the grounded vessel yesterday morning.
The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reported the incident and condemned the "violent and unlawful actions of China Coast Guard personnel against Philippine servicemen lawfully stationed aboard BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) at Ayungin Shoal."
It said the vessel was within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.
The NTF did not reveal the identity of the wounded Navy personnel.
The NTF said China Coast Guard vessel with body number 21560 deployed a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) at 9:15 a.m. toward the Sierra Madre.
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