Video: Chinese and Philippine soldiers fought with oars in the ocean
On July 21, a clash broke out between Chinese and Philippine military personnel near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. During the incident, the two sides rammed each other’s boats and used oars and poles.
China claimed that a Philippine vessel rammed a patrol boat, while the Philippines accused Chinese law enforcement officers of attacking its military personnel. Beijing also reported that it had allowed the evacuation of an injured Filipino servicemember on humanitarian grounds.
The Philippine side rejected the accusations and stated that its military personnel did not provoke the conflict.
Chinese and Philippine naval forces clashed near the disputed 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
Source: Reuters.
Taiwan has decided to increase production of its own long-range missiles due to concerns about possible delays in the delivery of U.S. weapons. The island’s authorities want to strengthen their own defense capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.
China has significantly increased the number of government vessels near Taiwan. Taipei believes that Beijing is not only demonstrating its strength but may also be rehearsing scenarios for a naval blockade of the island. In response, Taiwan is preparing new naval exercises and strengthening the protection of its sea lanes.
