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China, Philippines trade barbs over disputed reef

2 min read

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.
  • Tags :
  • south china sea
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