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Recent reports indicate that the Chinese coastguard has taken control of a small sandbank in the South China Sea, marking a significant increase in the tensions between China and the Philippines over territorial claims.
State broadcaster CCTV showcased images of four Chinese officers in black uniforms, proudly displaying the Chinese flag on the disputed Sandy Cay reef within the Spratly Islands.
According to the report, China stated that it had “implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction” over the reef earlier this month.
The Philippine government has yet to issue an official response to this development. Both nations have competing claims over various territories in the region, and their disputes have increasingly led to confrontations, including vessel incidents and physical altercations.
Sandy Cay is in proximity to a Philippine military facility on Thitu Island, which serves as a monitoring post for Chinese activities in the vicinity.
There is currently no indication that China intends to permanently occupy this 200 square meter island, as reports suggested that the coastguard has since departed.
The U.S. government expressed its concern regarding the Chinese action, labeling the situation as “deeply concerning if true.”
U.S. National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt stressed in comments to the Financial Times that such actions jeopardize regional stability and contravene international law, indicating that the White House is actively consulting with its partners.
This development coincides with the ongoing Balikatan exercises, an annual military drill involving U.S. and Philippine forces, which China has criticized as provocative.
Around 17,000 troops are participating in this year’s drills, which included recent missile tests from the U.S. Marine Air Defense Integrated System conducted off the northern Philippines. This marked the system’s second live fire exercise and its initial deployment to the region. The drills will also showcase the U.S. anti-ship missile system, NMESIS.
The Philippine military asserts that these exercises serve as preparations for national defense without targeting any specific country.
“This type of training is absolutely invaluable to us,” noted Third Marine Littoral Regiment Officer John Lehane.
The ongoing exercises have mitigated concerns among U.S. allies about potential shifts in military support stemming from political changes in the U.S.
During a recent visit to Manila, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that Washington remains steadfast in strengthening its alliance with the Philippines and is focused on “re-establishing deterrence” against potential threats from China.
Territorial disputes have plagued the South China Sea for centuries, but tensions have notably escalated in recent years.
China asserts its claims over a vast area defined by its so-called “nine-dash line,” which encompasses a significant portion of the South China Sea, extending hundreds of miles from its southern province of Hainan. Beijing has reinforced its extensive claims through artificial island construction and a strong naval presence.
Other nations, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei, are also involved in these competing territorial claims.
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