Philippine Navy tank landing ship, active duty, at the center of South China Sea clashes
Video shows a clash at Second Thomas Shoal as a Chinese coast guard vessel allegedly struck a Philippine sailor with a wooden baton; Manila maintains a constitutional right to resupply the outpost, while Beijing asserts its claim. The incident follows a long-running dispute in the West Philippine Sea and comes ahead of ASEAN talks in Manila.
Clashes at Second Thomas Shoal have prompted Manila to report a head injury to a Philippine sailor, while Beijing accuses Manila of provocations. The incident underscores tensions in the South China Sea as Philippine President Marcos Jr. plans to summon the Chinese ambassador and Western allies respond to the fray.