Philippines accuses Chinese coast guard of ‘barbaric’ blocking of medical evacuation

The Philippine coast guard on Friday accused its Chinese counterpart of blocking efforts to evacuate a sick member of its armed forces in the South China Sea.

MANILA, the Philippines — The Philippine coast guard on Friday accused its Chinese counterpart of blocking efforts to evacuate a sick member of its armed forces in the South China Sea, calling its actions “barbaric and inhumane.”

The incident, which the Philippines said took place last month, involved a member of a small contingent of marines posted to guard the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine vessel grounded at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, the site of repeated confrontations with China this past year.

Footage from the altercation off the waters of the Second Thomas Shoal on May 19. Philippine Coast Guard via AP / APCoast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela said coast guard and navy boats were harassed by Chinese vessels, despite having informed them the operation was of a medical nature.

“The barbaric and inhumane behavior displayed by the China Coast Guard has no place in our society,” Tarriela said in a statement.

The Chinese foreign ministry said Friday that it would allow the Philippines to deliver supplies and evacuate personnel if Manila notified Beijing ahead of a mission.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/philippines-south-china-sea-medical-evacuation-rcna155985

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