China Coast Guard 'blocks Philippine Coast Guard ship rescuing injured fishermen' in South China Sea

China Coast Guard boats allegedly blocked Philippine Coast Guard vessels evacuating injured fishermen in the South China Sea.

Footage shows two Chinese-manned rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) surrounding the sinking fishing boat in the contested Ayungin Shoal area on June 29.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the Filipino fishermen suffered second-degree burns after the engine exploded on their vessel, the FFB Akio.

PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, said: 'During the operation, our vessel received radio challenges, as well as encountered shadowing and initial blocking by China Coast Guard (CCG) and People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy ships.

'The CCG and PLA Navy vessels stopped shadowing our ship when they were informed by the Angel of the Sea on board about the humanitarian mission.'

The CCG also reportedly offered to help transport the injured fishermen.

Admiral Armando added: 'In times of emergencies, the safety of life should always be our priority. The PCG and CCG communicated in a diplomatic manner and set aside issues on sovereignty, in the spirit of humanitarianism.'

The wounded arrived at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Port in Subic, Zambales, at around 4:45AM on July 1. They were transported to a hospital for further medical assistance.

Expansionist China currently lays claim over almost the entire South China Sea, one of the world's busiest sea lanes. But a United Nations-backed tribunal in 2016 deemed its claims groundless.

The Communist rogue state - accused of genocide for its crimes against the Uyghur population - has been steadily increasing its influence in recent years through investment in developing countries.