Asia-Pacific

Philippines Says China Obstructed Medical Evacuation of Navy Personnel

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By TaiwanPlus

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The Philippines says Chinese coast guard vessels hindered the medical evacuation of a Philippine navy service member from a remote South China Sea outpost. The service member, who reportedly required immediate medical attention, was stationed aboard a grounded Philippine Navy ship at Second Thomas Shoal, known as Ayungin Shoal in the Philippines, which China also claims.

South China Sea Tensions

REPORTER:  
A Philippine Navy service member is now in stable condition following a tense medical evacuation from a remote South China Sea outpost.

The Philippine Coast Guard says China Coast Guard vessels delayed the rescue mission for several hours and used water cannons to prevent its ships from proceeding. The nature of the medical emergency was not disclosed. The service member was among those stationed aboard the Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy ship that was intentionally grounded on a disputed shoal to assert Manila's claim. Beijing has yet to comment on the incident.