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10h ago

China and Philippines Clash Over Sandy Cay Amid Competing Sovereignty Claims

Both nations have planted flags on the disputed reef, escalating tensions during ongoing US-Philippines military drills.

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Philippine and U.S. soldiers walk past a MADIS or Marine Air Defense Integrated System during the annual joint military exercises between the U.S. and Philippine troops called "Balikatan" or shoulder-to-shoulder, at a naval base in San Antonio, Zambales province, Philippines, April 27, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
Chinese coast guard offices display their national flag on a tiny sandbar in the disputed Sandy Cay in April, 2025.

Overview

  • The Philippines and China have asserted sovereignty over Sandy Cay in the South China Sea, with both nations planting their flags on the disputed reef.
  • China's coast guard claims to have implemented 'maritime control' over the sandbank earlier in April, while the Philippines denies this and states their personnel found no Chinese presence during a recent mission.
  • Manila has accused Beijing of spreading disinformation, calling China's reports of seizing the reef 'irresponsible' and 'made-up.'
  • The dispute coincides with the largest-ever US-Philippines joint military drills, featuring integrated air and missile defense simulations for the first time.
  • China has criticized the military exercises as destabilizing and continues to assert its sweeping territorial claims over the South China Sea, despite international rulings rejecting them.