A Philippine Navy sailor was injured on Sunday when Chinese Coast Guard personnel struck him on the head with a wooden stick during a confrontation at Ayungin Shoal in the South China Sea, the Philippine military said. The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. on July 20 near the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine vessel grounded on the shoal.
Chinese Coast Guard vessel CCGV 21560 deployed a rigid-hulled inflatable boat carrying eight personnel toward the Sierra Madre, according to the Philippine military. Manila dispatched two rubber boats to repel the Chinese vessel. Filipino forces alleged that Chinese personnel also damaged a Philippine Navy rubber boat during the encounter.
The China Coast Guard disputed Manila's account, claiming Philippine personnel were first to attack Chinese officers using oars and long poles. The Philippine military said it provided medical attention to the injured sailor.