Philippines accuses Chinese coast guard of injuring navy sailor at disputed shoal

Published Jul 26, 12:00 AM UTC

On July 20, 2026, the Philippine military accused Chinese coast guard personnel of injuring a Filipino navy sailor during a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) in the disputed South China Sea. According to the Philippines, Chinese personnel aboard a motorboat repeatedly struck the sailor on the head with a wooden baton, causing injury and damaging his smaller vessel. The incident was captured on video by Filipino sailors and sparked condemnations from Philippine officials. China's coast guard countered that two rubber boats from an 'illegally' stationed Filipino vessel had rammed their patrol boat in a dangerous manner. The confrontation centers on the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine navy ship stationed at the shoal as a forward outpost. The area is part of the Spratly Islands, claimed by multiple nations including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei.