Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry has denounced China’s use of force against Philippine naval personnel in the South China Sea and called on both sides to exercise restraint.

On Monday, July 20, the Philippines said a member of the Chinese coast guard struck one of its naval personnel on the head with a wooden baton at Second Thomas Shoal, a Philippine-controlled maritime feature claimed by China. The U.S. State Department described China’s actions as “dangerous and aggressive” and said they undermined regional peace and stability.

Speaking at a press briefing in Taipei on Tuesday, July 21, Taiwan Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hsiao Kuang-wei (蕭光偉) said confrontations between China and the Philippines were intensifying.

“The Foreign Ministry condemns the Chinese side’s use of force to injure people and calls on both sides to exercise restraint, resolve disputes peacefully, and avoid further escalating regional tensions,” he said.

Hsiao said freedom of navigation in the South China Sea was closely linked to regional peace and stability. Taiwan opposes “any attempt or action to unilaterally change the status quo through force, coercion, or gray-zone harassment,” he said.

The confrontation occurred as ASEAN foreign ministers and regional partners gathered in Manila for meetings expected to address tensions in the South China Sea.