CHINA CONFIRMS 2 DEATHS IN SCARBOROUGH SHOAL CRASH DURING PHILIPPINE SHIP CHASE

China has confirmed the deaths of two coastguard personnel in a vessel collision that occurred during a maritime rights protection operation in the South China Sea last year. According to News - South China Morning Post, the incident resulted in the deaths of Yi Xinyu and Cheng Long, two China Coast Guard officers. The confirmation came after the People’s Armed Police announced the latest recipients of its “Loyal Guards of the Chinese People’s Armed Police” honour, which included the two deceased officers.

The incident is reported to have occurred during a chase of a Philippine ship, although limited details are available on the circumstances surrounding the collision. The News - South China Morning Post reports that the two officers were posthumously awarded for their roles in the incident. No further information is available on the exact events leading up to the collision or the current status of the investigation.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been actively enforcing its maritime claims. The confirmation of the deaths of the two coastguard personnel adds to the complexity of the situation, although the exact implications are not yet clear.

• Two Chinese coastguard personnel died in a vessel collision in the South China Sea
• The incident occurred during a maritime rights protection operation
• The deceased officers were posthumously awarded for their roles in the incident

Read the original source for full detail available at News - South China Morning Post src