In the South China Sea, where Beijing lays claim to a disputed area, there was a violent scuffle between Chinese coast guards and Philippine naval vessels at a strategic reef.
It happened on Monday after the Philippine forces tried to resupply marines manning a dilapidated warship which they grounded intentionally in one of the disputed shoals called Second Thomas Shoal.
Manila said that it had released video footage showing small boats loaded with Chinese seamen who were hollering, brandishing knives and battering an inflatable raft as sirens went off.
A Filipino sailor lost his thumb in the incident during which the Chinese coast guard seized or wrecked national property such as guns belonging to Philippine military, according to AFP news agency.
However, China’s state media has not shown troops holding weapons.
Beijing stated its Coast Guard acted “professionally and restrained” during the incident but noted that “no direct actions” were taken against any Filipino personnel.
“They also slashed the (inflatable boats), rendering them inoperable.”
According to Manila, “The (Chinese coast guard) personnel then began hurling rocks and other objects at our personnel.”
In brown camouflage with helmets and vests, they wore no obvious weaponry in the videos.
“Amidst this violent confrontation, the CCG (Chinese coast guard) also deployed tear gas, intensifying the chaos and confusion while continuously blaring sirens to further disrupt communication,” read another caption.
One clip revealed a voice speaking Tagalog saying someone “lost a finger.”
The demands from Manila are for seven guns back as well as reparation for any ruined equipment. They want Beijing to answer their pleas by returning their stolen items.
On Wednesday, General Romeo Brawner of Philippines’ military chief added that outnumbered Filipinos without weapons fought back using only their fists.
