Philippines "Galwan" Moment as China escalates tensions in South China Sea

In what looks like the Galwan moment for Philippines, Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) personnel this week were seen launching a violent attack on a Philippine Navy ship, using "bladed weapons, blaring sirens, and blinding strobe lights." These are similar tactics used by Chinese forces during the Galwan incident with India, which happened in mid-June of 2020. 

On June 19, the Chinese forces obstructed Philippine forces' key humanitarian rotation and resupply operations at BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) in Ayungin Shoal. Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal, is a submerged reef located in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. The shoal is part of the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf. China has been claiming it. The Philippines maintains a presence on the shoal by stationing personnel on the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy ship.

According to an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) statement, "In a brazen act of aggression, the CCG obstructed the AFP... CCG personnel violently attached ropes to tow... They also employed blaring sirens to create chaos, disrupt communication, and divert attention." The AFP elaborated, "Despite facing overwhelming numbers and harassment from the CCG, Filipino troops valiantly fought back and defended their position. The AFP maintains professionalism and steadfast commitment to uphold international law and preserve peace in the region." Videos have also been released of the incident.

Providing a detailed account, the Philippines side pointed out, "The CCG personnel then began hurling rocks and other objects at our personnel. They also slashed the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), rendering them inoperable. All the while, the blaring sirens were being employed non-stop." The report highlighted, "The CCG continued its relentless harassment of AFP troops through a series of aggressive actions... These include physical attacks, the use of bladed weapons, the constant blaring of sirens to create disorientation, and the deployment of blinding strobe lights to impair the vision and coordination of the Filipino soldiers."  China, on expected lines, has denied the Philippines account.

This recent confrontation has drawn stark parallels to the Galwan Valley clashes, where Chinese troops engaged in brutal hand-to-hand combat with Indian soldiers using similar crude weapons. The Galwan Valley clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, including Colonel B Santosh Babu, with China officially confirming the deaths of four soldiers, although Chinese losses could be much higher. Ties between the 2 countries have fallen significantly since then.