Watch | Violent confrontation: Chinese troops attack Philippine warships in the South China Sea with axes and knives

On June 17, a violent clash broke out between Philippine sailors and the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) in the South China Sea after the latter allegedly attacked a Philippine naval vessel with “bladed weapons.”

The clash occurred on Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on an abandoned warship on the BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) at Ayungin Reef, as Beijing stepped up efforts to assert its claims to the disputed territory.

On Wednesday, the Philippine military released footage showing small boats with a Chinese crew shouting, waving axes, brandishing knives and hitting an inflatable boat with sticks.

“In a brazen act of aggression, the CCG obstructed the AFP’s vital humanitarian rotation and resupply operations at BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal on June 17, using physical attacks, bladed weapons, blaring sirens and blinding flashing lights,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

The army further stated that despite their superior numbers and the harassment by the CCG, the Philippine troops fought back bravely and defended their position. “The AFP remains professional and steadfastly committed to upholding international law and maintaining peace in the region.”

In a Facebook post by the Philippine Armed Forces, Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner accused the Chinese coast guard of behaving like pirates.

“Only pirates do things like this. Only pirates board ships, steal and destroy equipment and property,” said Romeo Brawner.

“The good thing is that we fought. The Chinese coast guards had bladed weapons and our people fought with their bare hands. That’s the most important thing. We were outnumbered and their weapons came unexpectedly, but our people fought with everything they had,” added General Brawner.

According to an AFP report, a Filipino sailor lost a thumb in the collision; according to the Philippine military, the Chinese coast guard confiscated or destroyed Filipino equipment, including weapons.

When asked about the videos on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Manila’s comments on the clashes were “completely false accusations that confuse black with white,” AFP reported.

He blamed the Philippines for the confrontation, saying they had “escalated tensions” and accused them of ramming Chinese boats.