The coastguard of China has taken control of a small sandbank in the South China Sea, as reported by state media, escalating tensions in a long-standing regional dispute with the Philippines. According to state broadcaster CCTV, footage was released showing four officers dressed in black, holding the Chinese flag while standing on the contested reef known as Sandy Cay, situated within the Spratly Islands.
CCTV stated that China has “implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction” over the reef since early April. Both China and the Philippines have competing claims over various territories in the region. On the same day, the Philippines announced that its forces had landed on three sandbanks, releasing an image of officers proudly displaying their national flag in a pose reminiscent of the Chinese officers’ earlier photo.
Escalating tensions and military activities
It remains uncertain whether one of the sandbanks where Philippine security forces landed was Sandy Cay itself, although local media indicates that these sandbanks are located near Thitu Island. Tensions between the two nations have been on the rise, leading to repeated confrontations characterized by collisions between vessels and physical altercations.
Sandy Cay is strategically positioned near a Philippine military outpost on Thitu Island, also referred to as Pag-asa, which Manila reportedly utilizes to monitor Chinese activities in the region. There are currently no indications that China is establishing a permanent presence on the 200 square meter island, as reports suggest that the coastguard has since departed.
International response and military drills
The White House expressed serious concern regarding reports of China seizing control of the reef. James Hewitt, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, commented that “actions like these threaten regional stability and violate international law,” stating that the White House is “consulting closely with our own partners” in light of the situation.
This incident coincides with the ongoing military exercises between the US and Philippine forces, known as the Balikatan exercises, which are underway and involve up to 17,000 personnel. These exercises include live-fire tests of the US Marine Air Defense Integrated System, marking its first deployment to the Philippines. The drills are designed as a preparation for national defense, with officials emphasizing that they are not aimed at any specific country.
“This type of training is absolutely invaluable to us,” said Third Marine Littoral Regiment Officer John Lehane.
These military drills also serve to reassure US allies in the region, particularly in light of uncertainties regarding continued military support following the Trump administration. During a recent visit to Manila, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to its alliance with the Philippines, asserting a determination to “re-establish deterrence” against China.
The South China Sea has long been a flashpoint for territorial disputes, with tensions escalating notably in recent years. China asserts dominance over the majority of the area through its so-called “nine-dash line,” which extends hundreds of miles from its southernmost province of Hainan. Beijing has reinforced its territorial claims through extensive island-building initiatives and increased naval patrols, leading to disputes with other claimants, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei.