Chinese and Philippine Military Clash with Oars in Disputed Waters

A clash broke out between Chinese and Philippine military personnel near Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, during which the two sides rammed their boats into each other and fought with oars and poles.

Reuters and Global Times reported this.

The PRC claims that the Philippine side was the first to take action in the area of the shoal and rammed a patrol boat. Meanwhile, the Philippines accuses Chinese law enforcement officers of attacking its military personnel.

The Chinese Coast Guard also noted that it allowed the evacuation of an injured Filipino soldier on humanitarian grounds.

Chinese and Philippine naval forces clashed near the contested Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea today.

Seen here, the crews of two small vessels beat each other with sticks and oars. pic.twitter.com/DAtlFxsS5R

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) July 20, 2026

The Philippine side denies the accusations and calls China’s statements false, asserting that its military did not initiate the conflict.

The Chinese side stated its intention to continue patrolling in the Nansha Archipelago and called on the Philippines to refrain from actions in the disputed waters.

Meanwhile, Chinese media released video footage of the incident and claimed that the Philippine military was filming from aboard Vessel No. 57 and transmitting the footage via Starlink. China believes that the released footage was selectively edited.