China has announced that it has taken control of Sandy Cay reef, a disputed landform in the South China Sea, located just a few kilometers from a key Philippine military outpost. The reef, which China refers to as Tiexian Jiao, is also claimed by Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
According to China's state broadcaster CCTV, Chinese Coast Guard officers landed on the uninhabited reef earlier this month to enforce maritime management and exercise sovereign jurisdiction. Images released by CCTV showed officers unfurling the Chinese flag during the operation, which was framed as an assertion of sovereignty over the area. CCTV also reported that the Chinese Coast Guard conducted an "inspection" and collected video evidence to counter what they termed "illegal activities" by the Philippines in the region.
The move comes as the Philippines is engaged in joint military drills with the United States, which China has criticized as destabilizing for the region. While the Chinese Coast Guard reportedly left after unfurling the flag, suggesting that the occupation was not permanent, it has still fueled further tensions.
In response, Philippine security forces launched an operation on Sunday to reinforce the country's control over several small islands near Thitu Island, located a short distance from Sandy Cay. According to the Manila Times, the Philippine National Task Force emphasized that the operation reflected the country's "unwavering dedication and commitment" to protecting its sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea. It also reiterated the Philippines' commitment to a "rules-based international order" and a peaceful resolution of disputes.
Both China and the Philippines have been engaged in a months-long confrontation over the contested waters, with accusations from both sides about the environmental damage caused by activities in the region. China's claims in the South China Sea have sparked tensions, as it asserts control over nearly the entire area, despite competing claims from other nations.
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China’s annual “Two Sessions” in Beijing have again drawn global attention, as lawmakers and advisers gather to set the country’s economic and social agenda. Premier Li Qiang presented the Government Work Report on 5 March, outlining recent progress and targets for 2026 and beyond.
China will finance the construction of nine border facilities in Tajikistan along the frontier with Afghanistan in a project worth more than $50 million aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the country’s Border Troops.
China has raised the retail prices of petrol and diesel after global oil prices climbed sharply. The country’s top economic planning body, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced the move after reviewing international oil market trends.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
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A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
More than 68,000 children in eastern Afghanistan have been displaced after clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces intensified along the border, according to a new report by Save the Children.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
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At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
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