Overview

• Chinese coast guard briefly landed on Tiexian islet in mid-April, asserting sovereignty through a flag-planting operation.
• State broadcaster CCTV released images of the landing and confirmed the departure of Chinese personnel without permanent occupation or construction.
• The Philippines and United States are conducting Balikatan military exercises, involving 17,000 personnel, to strengthen regional defense cooperation.
• China criticized the joint drills, accusing Manila of destabilizing actions and colluding with external powers.
• Tiexian, part of the contested Spratly Islands, lies near Thitu Island, a Philippine-controlled territory in the South China Sea.