The Philippines has strongly criticized a recent report by Chinese state media that claimed Beijing had established control over the Sandy Cay reef in the South China Sea, asserting that the situation remains unchanged. The Sandy Cay reef, located near Thitu Island, also known as Pag-asa, is strategically important as it is home to Philippine military personnel and a coast guard monitoring base.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that the Chinese coast guard had “implemented maritime control” over Tiexian Reef, part of Sandy Cay, since mid-April. This assertion comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China regarding territorial claims in the South China Sea, an area that China asserts almost entirely despite a ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration indicating that such claims lack legal standing.
National Security Council spokesman Jonathan Malaya responded to the allegations during a press conference, categorically denying the Chinese coast guard’s claims. “There is no truth whatsoever to the claim that the Sandy Cay sandbanks have been seized,” he stated. Malaya characterized the report as “irresponsible” and labeled it a “made-up” story intended to intimidate and harass.
In a display of reaffirmation, CCTV shared an image of Chinese coast guard officials standing on the reef with a national flag, framing their actions as a “vow of sovereignty.” In response, the Philippine Coast Guard published its own photograph featuring Filipino sailors carrying the national flag at the same location during a mission conducted the prior day.
Although there have been no indications that China has permanently occupied or constructed any facilities on the reef – which consists of a series of small sandbanks in the Spratly Islands – tensions continue to simmer. Both nations have exchanged accusations regarding the ecological degradation of disputed territories, exacerbating the already strained relations.
Furthermore, the ongoing joint exercises between the US and Philippine militaries have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing, asserting that such activities threaten regional stability. Since the commencement of these “Balikatan” exercises, Chinese warships have been observed in Philippine waters, including notable sightings of the aircraft carrier Shandong approaching within 2.23 nautical miles of northern Babuyan Island.
The situation remains a focal point of international attention, as both nations grapple with their competing interests in the South China Sea, a crucial maritime route rich in resources and strategic significance.
