The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday criticized its Chinese counterpart for blocking efforts to evacuate an ill member of their armed forces from the South China Sea. It called its actions "barbaric" and "inhuman".

The Philippines reported that the incident took place in the last month. It involved a marine from a small group of marines assigned to guard the BRP Sierra Madre. This vessel is a Philippine vessel anchored at the Second Thomas Shoal.

The Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela stated that Chinese vessels harassed coast guard and navy ships, despite being informed of the operation's medical nature.

Tarriela stated in a press release that "the barbaric, inhumane behavior displayed by the China Coast Guard had no place in our societies".

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Friday that it would allow Manila to send supplies and evacuate staff if Manila notified Beijing in advance.

Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press briefing that "the Philippines should not use this excuse to transport construction materials to their naval vessels to try to permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao."

The Chinese call the Second Thomas Shoal Ren'ai Jing.

Tarriela claimed that the Chinese coastguard "engaged in hazardous manoeuvres" and even "intentionally rammed" the navy boat as it transported the sick personnel.

Tarriela stated that "what should have been a straightforward medical evacuation operation, was subjected a harassment."

The Chinese blocked the first attempt by the Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner to transport the injured soldier to western Palawan province.

Brawner reported that the Philippine Coast Guard helped with a second attempt the following day. The soldier was rescued successfully.

China has claimed almost all of the South China Sea as its own, which is a channel for over $3 trillion worth of annual ship trade. It has sent hundreds coast guard vessels up to 1,000 km from its mainland in order to enforce what it claims as its jurisdiction.

In the past year, China and the Philippines have repeatedly sparred over disputed features in Manila's exclusive zone. China accuses the Philippines routinely of encroachment, while Manila and its partners have condemned Beijing's aggression.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that China's claims lacked legal foundation, a ruling Beijing rejected.