IdnAround.com — The Chinese coastguard has reportedly seized a small sandbank in the South China Sea, according to Chinese state media, marking an escalation in the ongoing territorial dispute with the Philippines.
State broadcaster CCTV released images showing four officers dressed in black uniforms, holding the Chinese flag while standing on the disputed Sandy Cay reef in the Spratly Islands.
According to CCTV, China had “enforced maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction” over the reef earlier this April.
Both China and the Philippines have laid claims to several islands in the region. Later on Sunday, the Philippines responded by announcing that its forces had landed on three sandbanks, sharing a photo of officers raising the national flag in a pose similar to the Chinese image.
It remains unclear whether one of the sandbanks the Philippine forces landed on was Sandy Cay.
In a statement, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) reported witnessing “the illegal presence” of a Chinese coastguard vessel just 1,000 yards (914 meters) from one of the sandbanks, alongside seven Chinese maritime militia vessels.
“This operation reflects the Philippine Government’s unwavering dedication and commitment to uphold the nation’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea,” the statement read.
Tensions between the two countries have been steadily rising, with frequent confrontations, including vessel collisions and scuffles.
Sandy Cay lies near a Philippine military outpost on Thitu Island, also known as Pag-asa Island, which Manila uses to monitor Chinese activities in the area.
There is currently no indication that China is maintaining a permanent presence on the 200-square-meter sandbank, and reports suggest the Chinese coastguard has since left the area.
The White House described reports of China’s actions as “deeply concerning if true.”
Speaking to the Financial Times, US National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt warned that “actions like these threaten regional stability and violate international law,” adding that Washington was “closely consulting with its partners” on the matter.
The Chinese move coincides with the ongoing Balikatan joint military exercises between the United States and the Philippines. China has criticized the drills, calling them provocative.
Approximately 17,000 personnel are participating in the exercises, which will continue over the coming days. On Sunday, missiles from the US Marine Air Defense Integrated System were fired off the coast of northern Philippines — marking the system’s second live-fire test and its first deployment to the country. The drills are also expected to feature the US NMESIS anti-ship missile system.
While the Philippine military maintains that the exercises are intended as rehearsals for national defense, it insists they are not aimed at any particular nation.
“This type of training is absolutely invaluable to us,” said Third Marine Littoral Regiment Officer John Lehane.
The exercises have helped reassure US allies concerned that a potential return of Donald Trump could disrupt America’s longstanding military commitments in the region.
During a visit to Manila last month, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that Washington was “doubling down” on its alliance with the Philippines and reaffirmed its commitment to “re-establish deterrence” against China.
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea have persisted for centuries but have intensified in recent years.
China claims the largest portion of the sea, marked by its so-called “nine-dash line,” which stretches hundreds of miles south and east from the southern province of Hainan. Beijing has reinforced its expansive claims through island-building activities and regular naval patrols.
Other claimants — including Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei — have also asserted claims over various islands and maritime zones in the region.
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