China’s recent aggression in the South China Sea aimed at figuring out Philippines’ red line

This frame grab from handout video taken on June 17, 2024 and released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office on June 19 shows China coast guard personnel (C) appearing to wield bladed weapons during an incident off Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine military said on June 19 the Chinese coast guard rammed and boarded Filipino navy boats in a violent confrontation in the South China Sea this week in which a Filipino sailor lost a thumb. China defended its actions, with its foreign ministry saying on Wednesday that "no direct measures" were taken against Filipino personnel. (Photo by Handout / ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES-PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE / AFP) / -----EDITORS NOTE --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES - PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

China coast guard personnel appeared to wield bladed weapons during an incident off the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

AFP

Tan Dawn Wei

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BEIJING - A serious clash between the Chinese coast guard and Philippine naval vessels on June 17 that resulted in injuries has put Beijing in a particularly bad light, especially since videos released by Manila show the Chinese personnel brandishing knives, spears and even an axe.

Since the Philippines started its “assertive transparency” campaign in 2023, in a bid to raise awareness of China’s aggression in the disputed South China Sea, Beijing’s hostilities have intensified, coming to a head in the most serious confrontation between the two in recent years.

China’s recent aggression in the South China Sea aimed at figuring out Philippines’ red line

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