South China Sea: Filipino soldiers fought off Chinese 'with bare hands'

A Filipino soldier has recounted how he and his colleagues fought off Chinese vessels that attempted to seize a Philippine-occupied reef in the South China Sea, using nothing but their bare hands and sticks. The incident, which occurred in March 2021, involved two Chinese coast guard ships attempting to obstruct the Philippine Navy's resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal. The Filipino soldier, who was on board a Philippine Navy vessel that was escorting the resupply mission, described the tense standoff, stating that the Chinese ships attempted to block their path and even used water cannons to disperse the Filipino boat carrying supplies. Despite the aggressive actions, the Filipino soldiers bravely defended their position and ultimately managed to deliver the supplies to the grounded Philippine Navy ship stationed on the shoal. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, a strategically important waterway claimed by both countries. The Philippines has repeatedly condemned China's aggressive actions in the region, while China maintains its sovereignty claims over the entire South China Sea.

Summary

"The incident demonstrates the growing tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, highlighting the potential for conflict in this strategically important waterway. The Filipino soldiers' brave actions in defending their position and delivering supplies underscore the importance of asserting national sovereignty and resisting Chinese aggression."