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.
China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun has urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to push back collectively against what he called “hegemonic behaviour”, as defence ministers met for their annual summit in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao.
US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Washington signed a trade agreement with China the previous day, though no details of the deal have been made public.
China has started granting export licences for rare earth elements and magnets to companies in the European Union, according to a report by the South China Morning Post, citing EU officials.
China’s Foreign Ministry has sharply criticised NATO for inflating military spending and interfering in Asia-Pacific affairs, rejecting claims that China supports Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Deadly floods have swept through southwest China’s Guizhou province, claiming at least six lives and forcing tens of thousands to flee as rivers surge to levels not seen in half a century.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 27th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s multi-day wedding in Venice is making headlines—not just for its celebrity guest list and luxury, but also for the backlash it has sparked among local activists.
The man behind one of Japan’s most disturbing serial murder cases—dubbed the ‘Twitter killer’—has been executed, breaking a nearly three-year pause in the country’s use of capital punishment.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that Tehran has not made any decision to begin new nuclear talks with the United States, dismissing recent claims by President Donald Trump about a planned meeting.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said on Friday the group aims to become the world’s top platform provider for artificial super intelligence within the next decade, signaling a bold new direction for the Japanese tech giant.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
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China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed using closer cooperation with Pacific rim countries as a foundation to redesign the World Trade Organization (WTO), citing rising trade tensions and global fragmentation.
China and Ecuador mark a key step in strengthening bilateral ties by agreeing to expand and deepen cooperation in trade, investment and economic development.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 27th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The man behind one of Japan’s most disturbing serial murder cases—dubbed the ‘Twitter killer’—has been executed, breaking a nearly three-year pause in the country’s use of capital punishment.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that Tehran has not made any decision to begin new nuclear talks with the United States, dismissing recent claims by President Donald Trump about a planned meeting.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 27th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s multi-day wedding in Venice is making headlines—not just for its celebrity guest list and luxury, but also for the backlash it has sparked among local activists.
The man behind one of Japan’s most disturbing serial murder cases—dubbed the ‘Twitter killer’—has been executed, breaking a nearly three-year pause in the country’s use of capital punishment.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday that Tehran has not made any decision to begin new nuclear talks with the United States, dismissing recent claims by President Donald Trump about a planned meeting.
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son said on Friday the group aims to become the world’s top platform provider for artificial super intelligence within the next decade, signaling a bold new direction for the Japanese tech giant.
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