Philippines Demands China Return Rifles and Pay for Boat Damage After Hostilities in Disputed Sea

The Philippine military demands China return seized equipment and pay for damages after a clash in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.

The Philippine military chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr., has demanded that China return rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard in the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. Brawner also called for compensation for the damages caused, describing the Chinese actions as akin to piracy.

On Monday, Chinese personnel on over eight motorboats repeatedly rammed and boarded two Philippine navy inflatable boats. These boats were on a mission to deliver food, firearms, and other supplies to a Philippine outpost on the shoal, which is claimed by both Manila and Beijing. The scuffle resulted in the Chinese seizing eight M4 rifles, navigation equipment, and other supplies, and damaging the boats with machetes, knives, and hammers. Several Filipino navy personnel were injured, including one who lost his thumb.

Brawner condemned the Chinese coast guard's actions, emphasizing that the Filipino personnel were unarmed and tried to defend themselves with their bare hands. He reiterated the Philippines' stance on avoiding war, while also asserting the illegality of the Chinese actions.

China, however, accused the Philippines of trespassing, claiming the Filipino boats ignored warnings. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the Chinese coast guard acted professionally and restrainedly, aiming to stop what they deemed an illegal supply mission.

The incident has heightened tensions in the South China Sea, a region already fraught with territorial disputes involving several countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The area is of strategic and economic importance due to its busy shipping lanes and potential underwater resources.

The United States, a treaty ally of the Philippines, reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines if necessary. The BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Philippine warship used as an outpost on Second Thomas Shoal since 1999, remains a symbol of the ongoing territorial standoff. Any attack on it could be seen as an act of war.

Tensions in the South China Sea have been escalating, particularly around Second Thomas Shoal, which is within 200 nautical miles of the Philippine coast. The fear is that these disputes could lead to a larger conflict involving the United States and China.