The Philippines accused China's Coast Guard of acting like a "band of barbarians," claiming personnel armed with "bladed and pointed weapons," including one with an axe, boarded one of their supply vehicles this week in the South China Sea.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines released the photos and video, showing the damage to several of its vessels during a confrontation with the Chinese Coast Guard during a resupply mission for troops on the Second Thomas Shoal.
It said one sailor was seriously injured in the "intentional high-speed ramming" by the Chinese Coast Guard on Monday.
One image showed what the Armed Forces identified as a Chinese Coast Guard member threatening Philippine sailors with an ax.
The Chinese personnel "deliberately punctured" Philippine boats and stole firearms.
"Our approach is above board. But what they were doing is piracy ... barbaric. I call them a band of barbarians. They have no right to wear the uniform, coast guards men are supposed to be responsible for safety of life at sea (but) their actions endanger life at sea," Philippine navy spokesman Roy Trinidad told reporters, according to Reuters.
"It does not speak well of a country that wants to be a global power," Trinidad continued.
In an interview with the wire service, Trinidad said the Philippine sailors were "unprepared for that kind of response."
"We stuck with the rules of engagement. They were not allowed to use guns except for self defense," he said.
Gen. Romeo Brawner, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces, said the Philippine sailors used their hands to fight back.
"The Chinese Coast Guard personnel had bladed weapons and our personnel fought back with bare hands. That is what is important," he said in a posting on X.
"We were outnumbered and their weapons were unexpected but our personnel fought with everything that they had," he added.
China disputed the Philippines' version of events.
"The Philippine ships not only carry building materials, they also smuggled weapons and equipment and deliberately rammed Chinese ships," said ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, Reuters reported.
"Non-personnel have also splashed water and thrown objects at Chinese law enforcement officers, which has obviously aggravated the tense situation at sea, seriously threatening the safety of Chinese personnel and vessels," Lin said.
