The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) refuted claims by the China Coast Guard (CCG) that Philippine boats intentionally rammed one of its patrol vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The AFP dismissed the allegations as false and misleading, emphasizing that the presence of the China Coast Guard vessel near BRP Sierra Madre was an unlawful intrusion into Philippine sovereign rights. The AFP stated that Philippine Navy personnel acted professionally and non-confrontationally to direct the China Coast Guard vessel away, denying any initiation of confrontation.
The situation escalated when the CCG ignored instructions to leave and engaged in unlawful actions, including striking a Philippine sailor with a wooden baton. Despite the provocation, Philippine troops exercised restraint and defended themselves within established rules, highlighting that professionalism should not be mistaken for weakness. The AFP pointed out similarities with a previous incident in June 2024 involving coercive and violent actions by China Coast Guard personnel, emphasizing the discipline shown by AFP personnel in both cases.
Accusing China of conducting a disinformation campaign, the AFP highlighted an AI-generated video by a Chinese state media outlet aimed at distorting facts and undermining the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea. The AFP reiterated its commitment to upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights, protecting its military personnel, and maintaining its presence in Second Thomas Shoal in line with international law. The United States also condemned China’s actions, describing them as dangerous and aggressive, and called on Beijing to cease its destabilizing behavior in the contested South China Sea.
