Philippines Demands Compensation After Clashes with Chinese Coast Guard in Disputed Sea

The Philippine military chief has demanded that China return rifles and equipment seized by the Chinese coast guard and pay for damages after a confrontation at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal. The incident involved Chinese personnel ramming and boarding Philippine navy boats, resulting in injuries and equipment damage. China claims the Philippines trespassed, while the U.S. has reiterated its defense obligations to the Philippines. The Second Thomas Shoal is a flashpoint in the broader South China Sea territorial disputes involving multiple countries.