China, Philippines Clash at Second Thomas Shoal, Injuring 1 Sailor as ASEAN Talks Open
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Jul 21
China, Philippines Clash at Second Thomas Shoal, Injuring 1 Sailor as ASEAN Talks Open
3 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Jul 21
Summary
Monday's confrontation near Second Thomas Shoal escalated into sailors from China and the Philippines fighting with oars and batons, leaving one Filipino sailor with a head injury, according to Manila.
Beijing and Manila then traded blame: the Philippines said Chinese Coast Guard personnel assaulted sailors heading to the BRP Sierra Madre outpost, while China said Philippine boats provoked the incident first.
Tuesday's fallout quickly turned diplomatic, with China summoning the Philippine ambassador in Beijing and Manila calling in China's envoy after the clash.
Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, remains a key flashpoint in the South China Sea, where China rejects a 2016 Hague ruling against its sweeping claims.
Ahead of the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, Australia condemned China's conduct and pledged A$10 million in drone support to the Philippine Coast Guard, while the US again backed its treaty ally.