By Focus and AFP | 2025-04-30

China's recent assertion of control over Sandy Cay in the South China Sea has sparked a new dispute with the Philippines and drawn a concerned response from the United States.

Beijing's move, coinciding with ongoing joint military exercises between the Philippines and its allies, highlights its growing aggression in contested waters and raises concerns about instability along a vital global maritime route.

Tensions escalated after the Chinese state broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV), reported that its coast guard had "implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction" over Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef by China, earlier in April.

The April 26 report featured photos of Chinese coast guard personnel raising their flag on the reef, located just kilometers from Thitu Island, where the Philippines maintains a military and coast guard presence.

CCTV described the move as a "vow of sovereignty," marking the first time in years that China has officially planted its flag on a previously unoccupied location.

'Intimidate and harass'

Manila's response was swift.

Philippine National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya refuted Beijing's claim during an April 28 briefing, stating, "There is no truth whatsoever to the claim of the China Coast Guard that the [Sandy Cay sandbanks] have been seized."

Malaya accused China of using "the information space to intimidate and harass," dismissing the report as fabricated propaganda.

To counter Beijing's narrative, the Philippine coast guard released its own photo showing sailors raising the Philippine flag on the reef during an early morning mission on April 27.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, speaking at a news conference April 28, urged countries to "refrain from conducting actions that complicate the situation" while negotiations continue on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea.

"We hope countries can at least minimize or refrain from taking actions such as this," Manalo said, adding that the Philippines is closely monitoring the situation and considering appropriaChte responses.

China's Foreign Ministry defended the Chinese coast guard's actions, claiming Sandy Cay was part of its "territory."

Sandy Cay, also known as Pag-asa Cay 2, lies west of Pag-asa Island, the Philippines' most significant outpost in the Spratly Islands. Although small, Sandy Cay has crucial legal status.

If classified as a land feature, it could generate a 12-nautical-mile (22-km) territorial sea, overlapping with waters surrounding Thitu Island and strengthening Manila's maritime claims.

China's assertion of sovereignty over Sandy Cay raises concerns it may increase harassment of Philippine forces stationed at Pag-asa.

Threats to stability

China's move comes as the Philippines, the United States and Australia conduct the ongoing annual Balikatan exercises, the largest of their kind.

This year's drills feature expanded maritime operations, including coastal defense and island seizure scenarios near the disputed Spratly Islands. China has repeatedly criticized Balikatan, viewing it as a challenge to its regional security interests.

Adding to the tension, Philippine officials have detected Chinese naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, operating within Philippine waters since the exercises began.

The United States responded with alarm.

The reports were "deeply concerning if true," US National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt told the Financial Times, warning that "actions like these threaten regional stability and violate international law."

"We are consulting closely with our partners and remain committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific," added Hewitt.

Reminder of China's obligations

China is violating international law, Malaya of the National Security Council pointed out.

He reminded China of its obligations under the 2002 Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which prohibits taking over unoccupied features.

"We urge the People's Republic of China and the Chinese coast guard to maintain the status quo," he said April 28.

Analysts see China's move at Sandy Cay as a calculated maneuver.

Beijing's actions should be interpreted as a "tactical move" aimed at intensifying pressure on the Philippines, Lyle Morris, a former Pentagon Sinologist now with the Asia Society Policy Institute, told the Financial Times for an April 26 article.

China's broader strategy in the South China Sea remains under intense scrutiny.

Beijing claims nearly the entire sea despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling that rejected its expansive claims. A 2021 Chinese law giving its coast guard sweeping powers to board and inspect foreign vessels in contested waters further heightens the risk of clashes.

While no evidence suggests a permanent occupation or construction on Sandy Cay, the symbolic act of planting a flag signals Beijing's hardening stance. It increases pressure on Manila and adds new complexities to an already volatile situation in one of the world's most crucial maritime corridors.