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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The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request from the Trump administration to lift protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially opening the door to future deportations while litigation continues.
Lithuania has taken legal action against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Minsk of organizing irregular migrant crossings and violating international obligations.
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
As South Western Railway becomes the latest operator to be renationalised under Great British Railways (GBR), questions remain about whether these changes will lead to better services or lower fares.
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request from the Trump administration to lift protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially opening the door to future deportations while litigation continues.
Lithuania has taken legal action against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Minsk of organizing irregular migrant crossings and violating international obligations.
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
As South Western Railway becomes the latest operator to be renationalised under Great British Railways (GBR), questions remain about whether these changes will lead to better services or lower fares.
In Malaysia, rivers are under threat from invasive fish species that have spread widely, harming native wildlife and local ecosystems.
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