The Philippine military responded to China’s recent actions by planting a flag at the disputed Sandy Cay reef on Sunday, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency. Days earlier, China’s coast guard claimed they had “dealt with” six Filipinos who allegedly landed illegally on the reef. Beijing also said the sandbank had come under its control.
Interagency Operation to Assert Sovereignty
On Sunday, the National Operational-Tactical Group West Philippine Sea led a coordinated maritime operation. The Philippine News Agency said the mission aimed at “strengthening the regular and lawful exercise of the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters of the Western Philippine Sea.”
The operation involved multiple forces, including the Philippine Navy, the Coast Guard, and the Maritime Group of the National Police. As part of the effort, four teams riding rubber boats landed on Cay 1, Cay 2, and Cay 3 islands, where they noticed a Chinese presence. Soon after, photos of the newly planted Philippine flags began circulating on social media.
The Philippine Coast Guard have landed on the disputed Sandy Cay 2 island reef with their own flag, just days after Chinese special forces landed and made a claim to the island. pic.twitter.com/cI9BLx8meL
— WarMonitor🇺🇦🇬🇧 (@WarMonitor3) April 27, 2025
Ongoing Tensions Over South China Sea
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea and has frequently clashed with the Philippines in recent months. This latest incident at Sandy Cay comes just days before the Philippines and the United States are set to begin their annual joint military exercises close to the Spratly Islands.
China’s Reaction to the Landing
Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun reacted strongly, stating that six Filipinos had “illegally boarded” the Tiexian Reef. He added, “they were dealt with in ‘accordance with the law’,” though he did not provide more details.
Furthermore, Liu warned, “We urge the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement.”
Meanwhile, according to the Financial Times, a Philippine maritime official said the Chinese coast guard left the area after raising their flag.
