China on Tuesday released video footage of a maritime confrontation with Philippine personnel near the disputed Ren’ai Jiao (Second Thomas Shoal/Ayungin Shoal) in the South China Sea, accusing Filipino forces of ramming a China Coast Guard (CCG) patrol vessel and assaulting Chinese officers.
The footage, published by the state-run China Daily, shows personnel aboard two rigid inflatable boats launched from what Beijing described as the “illegally grounded” Philippine vessel No. 57 approaching a Chinese patrol boat during Monday’s encounter.
According to the China Coast Guard, the Philippine boats ignored repeated warnings, approached the Chinese vessel at high speed, attempted to surround and ram it, and struck Chinese law enforcement officers with paddles and long poles.
The CCG said its personnel responded with verbal warnings, manoeuvring and what it described as “corresponding countermeasures” to stabilise the situation while exercising “maximum restraint” and acting in accordance with Chinese law.
Beijing accused the Philippines of distorting the facts and urged Manila to stop what it called infringement and provocative actions.
The confrontation took place near Ren’ai Jiao, internationally known as Second Thomas Shoal and referred to in the Philippines as Ayungin Shoal, one of the most disputed areas in the South China Sea.
The video was released after Philippine authorities accused China Coast Guard personnel of injuring a Filipino sailor during the incident, allegations that Beijing has rejected.