The violent clash took place on Monday near the Thomas Shoal II reef area near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The Chinese guards rammed the Philippine army’s helicopters and then pierced them with knives and axes.
The army stated that the Chinese used tear gas and jammed communications with loud sirens. They also allegedly threatened the soldiers.
The guards also destroyed communications equipment and confiscated the Filipinos’ weapons, according to the British Guardian newspaper. One Filipino soldier allegedly lost his thumb in the clash.
Clash in the South China Sea. There are recordings
The Philippine Army posted footage of the incident on social media. They show details of a brutal clash.
Manila also accused Beijing of piracy, citing the looting of supplies and the paralyzing of Philippine army boats.
Confrontation between the Chinese and the Filipinos. Manila
The Philippine Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it “condemns the illegal and aggressive actions” by the Chinese services, which resulted in personnel being injured and damage to the ship during a routine resupply mission.
Despite the international court’s ruling in The Hague, China claims nearly 90 percent. Surface of the South China Sea – refers to the “Guardian”.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Tuesday that the United States condemns China’s “escalatory and irresponsible actions.” He stressed that it threatens peace and stability in the region.
“Coffee enthusiast. Troublemaker. Incurable introvert. Subtly charming twitter scholar. Award-winning social mediaholic. Internet buff.”
