'Brazen Act Of Aggression' In South China Sea: Philippines Accuses Chinese Troops Of Physical Attacks, Using Bladed Weapons

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has accused the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) of obstructing the critical humanitarian rotation and resupply operations at BRP Sierra Madre (LS57), a Philippian Navy ship.

Calling it a "brazen act of aggression", AFP said that on 17 June, CCG employed "physical attacks, bladed weapons, blaring sirens, and blinding strobe lights" in Ayungin Shoal, a disputed territory in the South China Sea.

"CCG personnel violently attached ropes to tow the AFP's RHIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat) while threatening to injure an AFP soldier with a pickaxe," AFP said with video proof.

"They (CCG) also employed blaring sirens to create chaos, disrupt communication, and divert the attention of AFP troops, exacerbating the hostile and dangerous situation," AFP further alleged.

The AFP also accused CCG of aggressively ramming RHIB and "brandishing bladed and pointed weapons, explicitly threatening to harm AFP troops."

"Amidst this violent confrontation, the CCG also deployed tear gas, intensifying the chaos and confusion, while continuously blaring sirens to further disrupt communication," the AFP claimed.

It also alleged CCG personnel of hurling rocks and other objects at AFP personnel. "They also slashed the RHIBs, rendering them inoperable. All the while, the blaring sirens were being employed non-stop," it added.

During this incident, a Chinese military aircraft was circling overhead, which the AFP considers "a further display of excessive force and intimidation."