Sun Apr 27 07:15:00 UTC 2025: ## China Seizes Control of Disputed Reef in South China Sea, Heightening Tensions with Philippines

**Manila, Philippines – April 27, 2025** – China’s Coast Guard has asserted control over Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay) in the Spratly Islands, a disputed area of the South China Sea, according to Chinese state media. The action, which took place in mid-April, occurred near Thitu Island (Pag-asa), where a Philippine military facility is located. This latest move escalates long-standing territorial tensions between China and the Philippines.

CCTV, China’s state broadcaster, reported that the Coast Guard landed on the reef to “exercise sovereignty and jurisdiction,” conduct an “inspection,” and gather evidence of alleged illegal Philippine activities. Photographs released by CCTV show Chinese personnel on the reef, planting a Chinese flag and cleaning up debris. A Philippine maritime official, speaking anonymously to the Financial Times, confirmed the Chinese Coast Guard’s presence but stated they later left the reef. There are no reports of permanent occupation or construction.

This incident follows months of escalating confrontations between the two countries in the contested waters. Both nations have accused each other of environmental damage to the disputed landforms. China’s Xinhua news agency recently dismissed Philippine claims of environmental harm caused by Chinese land reclamation projects.

The seizure of Tiexian Reef coincides with ongoing large-scale joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, dubbed “Balikatan” (“shoulder to shoulder”). These drills, which include an unprecedented integrated air and missile defense simulation, have been criticized by Beijing as destabilizing. The US has stated the exercises are a demonstration of commitment to the 1951 mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.

China’s claim to almost all of the South China Sea, despite an international ruling against its claim, continues to fuel regional tensions. The Philippines, with its military presence on Thitu Island and a newly inaugurated Coast Guard monitoring base, is actively working to counter what it perceives as Chinese aggression. The situation remains volatile and further escalations are a concern.

Read More