A Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Chinese navy vessel reportedly collided near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, killing 2 Coast Guard officers. Nearly a year after the accident, the Chinese government recognized the 2 men as martyrs and announced the decision, but did not disclose details of their deaths.
An accident occurred near Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea when a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Chinese navy vessel pursuing a Philippine vessel collided. The incident is said to have occurred on 11 August last year, and local sources said the activities of the two sides were closely intertwined.
Reports said that 2 male Chinese Coast Guard officers died in the accident, and an English-language newspaper in Hong Kong noted that it had been the first to confirm the deaths. Official announcements continued to be issued as follow-up reports through this month, emphasizing the continuation of activities in the name of ensuring the safety of personnel.
Nearly a year after the accident, the Chinese government recognized the 2 men as martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the state and announced the decision on its website. It provided no details of the deaths, saying only that they had been killed while carrying out activities to safeguard maritime rights.