Tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated following China’s seizure of a disputed reef in the South China Sea, located near a key Philippine military outpost. The Chinese coast guard took control of the Tiexian Reef, also known as Sandy Cay, part of the Spratly Islands, in mid-April. The reef lies in proximity to Thitu Island, a Philippine-controlled territory with a military base. Beijing’s state media reported that the coast guard exercised “sovereignty and jurisdiction” over the reef, which Manila claims as part of its exclusive economic zone.
This move comes amid ongoing territorial disputes between China and several Southeast Asian nations over the South China Sea, a vital waterway for international trade. China claims sovereignty over nearly all of the South China Sea, despite competing claims from other regional countries, including the Philippines. An international ruling in 2016 declared China’s claims to be without legal basis, but Beijing has disregarded the ruling, continuing its aggressive actions in the region.
The Chinese coast guard’s actions included landing on the reef, raising a Chinese flag, and cleaning up debris, in what Beijing described as a demonstration of sovereignty. Photographs aired on Chinese state media showed coast guard personnel standing on the reef, with the Chinese flag prominently displayed. While the Chinese presence on Sandy Cay appears temporary, there are no indications that China has permanently occupied the reef or built any structures on it.
The Philippines, which has military forces stationed on nearby Thitu Island, has voiced concerns over China’s actions, accusing Beijing of ecological degradation in the region due to land reclamation projects. Meanwhile, Manila is participating in joint military exercises with the United States, which Beijing condemns as destabilizing.
As the dispute continues, the situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of exacerbating tensions and undermining regional stability.
