China has seized control of a small sandbank in the South China Sea, according to reports from Chinese state media.
The move marks another flashpoint in the ongoing tensions between China and the Philippines over disputed territories.
The event happened earlier this April, when Chinese coastguard officers landed on Sandy Cay, a tiny reef in the Spratly Islands. Images released by China’s state broadcaster showed four officers dressed in black, holding a Chinese flag firmly on the sandbank. Officials claimed they had established control and asserted sovereignty over the area.
The Philippines has not yet officially reacted to the latest development. Disputes between the two countries have been rising steadily, with frequent incidents at sea involving collisions and heated encounters between vessels. Sandy Cay lies close to Thitu Island, a Philippine military post that is vital for monitoring Chinese movements nearby.
China’s coastguard reportedly left the sandbank after the operation, with no signs of permanent structures being built. Despite the brief presence, the incident stirred concerns among other countries watching the situation closely.
The White House responded by calling the reports troubling. Officials from the US National Security Council warned that moves like this could disrupt regional peace and breach international law. They also confirmed they were consulting allies to address the situation.
This latest action took place during the Balikatan military exercises, where US and Philippine forces are working together in large-scale drills. Around 17,000 troops are involved, with advanced missile systems being tested near the Philippine coast. American officials stressed that the exercises are aimed at strengthening defence, not at targeting any particular nation.
US officials visiting Manila recently reaffirmed their commitment to the Philippines, promising to strengthen military ties. They made it clear that efforts to keep stability in the region would continue, regardless of changes in Washington’s leadership.
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea are not new, but the stakes have been rising. China claims much of the sea based on its so-called nine-dash line, a boundary rejected by international courts but enforced by growing naval patrols and construction projects. Other countries, including Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines, have made rival claims over parts of the sea.
As activities around the South China Sea heat up, concerns over possible conflicts remain at the forefront for many nations dependent on the region’s busy trade routes.