A Philippine sailor was injured during a confrontation with Chinese coast guard personnel near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said on Monday.
The incident occurred on July 20, 2026, when Chinese coast guard personnel and Philippine sailors confronted each other near the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Philippine navy vessel stationed at the shoal. The Philippines said a Chinese coast guard officer struck a Filipino sailor on the head with a wooden baton during the confrontation.
The injured sailor was later evacuated for medical treatment, according to Philippine authorities, who accused the Chinese coast guard of using aggressive and violent tactics. China, however, rejected the allegations and blamed the Philippines for provoking the incident, claiming that Philippine boats had collided with a Chinese patrol vessel.
The Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines and Ren’ai Reef in China, has remained a major flashpoint in the territorial dispute between Manila and Beijing. The Philippines maintains a military presence on the BRP Sierra Madre, while China claims sovereignty over the area.
The latest confrontation has further heightened tensions between the two countries, with both sides summoning each other’s diplomatic representatives over the incident. The United States also condemned what it described as China’s dangerous and aggressive actions and reaffirmed its support for the Philippines.
