Philippine military says China injured sailor in South China Sea clash

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Manila: A Philippine Navy sailor was injured after allegedly being beaten on the head with a wooden baton by China Coast Guard soldiers during a clash near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said on Monday.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Chinese personnel on a motorboat stopped Filipino sailors as they approached the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, a naval station on the shoal. According to the military, the Chinese crew responded ‘violently and aggressively,’ hurting a sailor and causing damage to a Philippine Navy rubber boat. The extent of the sailor's injuries was being evaluated.

Philippine officials criticised the incident as another example of China's unfriendly acts in disputed waters, reaffirming Manila's resolve to preserve its maritime rights. Beijing did not respond promptly, despite China's persistent assertion of control over the territory.

The current incident adds to rising tensions in the South China Sea, where previous conflicts between Chinese and Philippine vessels have exacerbated regional security worries.