Chinese Coast Guard Seizes Philippine Boats, Injures Eight Amid South China Sea Tensions

In a significant escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, Chinese Coast Guard personnel boarded and seized Philippine supply boats near the Second Thomas Shoal, injuring eight Filipino naval personnel, including one who lost a thumb. The incident, involving the confiscation of weapons and damage to boats, marks the first time the Chinese used bladed weapons like swords and spears in such confrontations. The Philippine military has condemned the actions as piracy and demanded the return of seized equipment and reparations for damages. Beijing, however, defends its actions as lawful enforcement within its claimed territorial waters, accusing the Philippine vessels of illegal entry. The U.S. has reaffirmed its defense commitments to the Philippines, condemning China's actions as aggressive and destabilizing.