Chinese Coastguard Seizes Sandy Cay, Escalating Dispute with Philippines

BEIJING, China — The Chinese coastguard has seized control of a small sandbank known as Sandy Cay in the South China Sea, heightening tensions with the Philippines, state media reported.

Images released by China’s state broadcaster CCTV showed coastguard officers raising the national flag on the disputed reef, located near Thitu Island, also referred to as Pag-asa Island in the Philippines. The incident reportedly occurred earlier in April.

Both China and the Philippines have laid claim to various islets and sandbanks throughout the region, leading to rising hostilities. The National Task Force West Philippine Sea stated they observed a Chinese coastguard vessel and multiple militia vessels close to the sandbank and expressed concern over what they described as an illegal presence.

The Philippine government has not yet formally responded to the incident. However, the White House commented, calling the reports of China’s actions in the region “deeply concerning.” James Hewitt, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, emphasized that such activities could threaten regional stability and violate international law.

Sandy Cay is situated near a Philippine military outpost on Thitu Island, which is crucial for monitoring Chinese movements in the area. While China has claimed to have implemented maritime control over the reef, there are no indications that it is establishing a permanent presence there.

The situation escalates as U.S. and Philippine forces engage in their annual Balikatan military exercises, which have drawn criticism from China. Approximately 17,000 military personnel are participating in these joint drills, showcasing various capabilities, including live missile tests.

Third Marine Littoral Regiment Officer John Lehane stated, “This type of training is absolutely invaluable to us,” as it is seen as essential in enhancing national defense.

China’s actions have intensified longstanding disputes over territories in the South China Sea, where claims overlap with those of other nations including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei. Despite an international ruling rejecting its expansive claims backed by the so-called “nine-dash line,” China continues to assert its sovereignty in the area.