Philippine soldiers fought the Chinese Coast Guard and had swords: General

• A general said the Filipino soldiers defended themselves against an attack by the Chinese Coast Guard.
• One soldier reportedly lost a thumb while others were injured and boats were damaged.
• Beijing denied responsibility, but US and Philippine officials criticized China.

The Philippines said the Filipino soldiers were forced to defend themselves with their bare hands against Chinese coast guards armed with swords and knives.

Gen. Romeo Brawner, the Philippines’ top military commander, criticized China for what he called “reckless and aggressive” behavior as the Philippine Navy and Coast Guard delivered supplies to Filipino soldiers in the disputed South China Sea on Monday.

Chinese Coast Guard personnel collided with their ships with boats belonging to the Philippines, boarded them and attacked them BBC As a result, some were wounded and one soldier lost his thumb, Brawner is quoted as saying.

in statement “The Chinese Coast Guard has no legal right or authority to interfere with our legitimate operations or harm our assets within our exclusive economic zone,” Brawner said, posting online.

He said the incident “constitutes a flagrant violation of international maritime law and the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the Philippines.”

The Philippine Army participated the pictures From the incident, damaged boats and Chinese personnel with blades are visible.

Brawner said the Chinese Coast Guard’s actions pose “major” risks to regional stability, but added that the Philippines will work with its international partners to try to maintain peace in the region.

Other countries have condemned China’s actions

The standoff is seen as the latest escalation in disputed waters.

In April, a video surfaced of a Chinese ship ramming a Filipino ship while firing water cannons at it, as Business Insider’s Chris Panella reported at the time.

On Monday, US Ambassador to the Philippines Mary Kay Carlson to publish On X condemns China’s “aggressive and dangerous maneuvers”.

Meanwhile, Philippine Coast Guard Brig. He said He believes China is trying to “stoke trouble.”

“They clearly hope that the United States will also have to justify their false narrative that Washington really wants to go to war against Beijing,” Jay Tarella wrote.

However, Beijing denied taking “direct action” against the Filipino soldiers, and claimed that the Philippines was responsible for the incident.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China acted in accordance with the law.

“The maneuvers at the scene were professional, disciplined, justified and legal,” Lane said in a statement. statement.