Chinese sailors wield knives, axe in disputed sea clash with Philippines

This frame grab from a handout video taken on June 17, 2024, shows China Coast Guard personnel appearing to wield bladed weapons during an incident off Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. [AFP]

Chinese coast guard sailors brandishing knives, an axe and other weapons clashed with Philippine naval vessels near a strategic reef in the South China Sea, dramatic new footage released by Manila showed.

The clash took place Monday as Philippine forces attempted to resupply marines stationed on a derelict warship, the Sierra Madre, deliberately grounded atop the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, Manila said.