China Coast Guard Strikes Philippine Navy Sailor With Wooden Baton Near Second Thomas Shoal, Causing Head Injury

A China Coast Guard vessel dispatched a smaller boat that approached the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Second Thomas (Ayungin) Shoal on July 20, 2026. Philippine Navy personnel launched two rigid-hulled inflatable boats to escort the Chinese boat away; a group of Chinese personnel then rammed one of the smaller Philippine craft and struck a Philippine Navy service member on the head with a wooden baton, causing a deep gash and injury. The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Chinese Coast Guard personnel "reacted violently and aggressively," damaging a Philippine Navy rubber boat in the process. The National Security Council called it "unacceptable" and the Department of National Defense said the incident showed "a clear pattern of provocative and hostile behavior." China has denied allegations of aggressive conduct in the South China Sea and accused the Philippines of trespassing in its waters. It was the first of three clashes between the two countries during the week of July 20-24, 2026.