South China Sea Dispute: China and Philippines

On April 28, 2025, tensions heightened between China and the Philippines over a disputed reef in the South China Sea, known as Sandy Cay.

Claims and Counterclaims

• China's Position
  • China reported that China's coast guard had "implemented maritime control" over Tiexian Reef, part of Sandy Cay, in mid-April.
  • Beijing views the reef as part of its territory, asserting their actions are "rights protection and law enforcement activities."
  • China's foreign ministry accused the Philippines of "illegal landing and other acts of infringement and provocation."
• Philippines' Response
  • The Philippines accused China of using information to "intimidate and harass," labeling the CCTV report as "made-up."
  • The National Security Council of the Philippines denied China's claim of seizing Sandy Cay sandbanks.
  • The Philippine Coast Guard released a photo showing their personnel holding the national flag on the disputed reef.

Ecological and Regional Tensions

• Both nations blame each other for ecological degradation in the South China Sea.
• The U.S. and Philippine militaries are conducting joint exercises, which China considers a regional threat.
• Chinese warships, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, were spotted near the Philippines during these exercises.

Current Context

• Sandy Cay is near Thitu Island, where the Philippines has stationed troops and maintains a coast guard base.
• No evidence suggests permanent Chinese occupation or construction on the reef.