Anna Hartz
Philippines on Alert After Chinese Coast Guard Visit to Disputed Island
Tensions in the South China Sea have been building for years.
Countries in the region, including the Philippines and Vietnam, have long struggled with China’s growing presence.
The United States has also been pulled into the dispute, supporting its allies and calling for freedom of navigation in these busy waters.
Now, a new move from China threatens to push those tensions even higher.
Chinese state television CCTV reported that the Chinese coast guard landed on a disputed island to “exercise Beijing’s sovereignty”, according to Digi24.
The island is known as Tiexian, or Sandy Cay. It is part of the Spratlys archipelago and lies just a few kilometers from Thitu Island, the biggest island controlled by the Philippines in the area.
According to CCTV, the Chinese coast guard arrived in mid-April. They said the mission was to establish control and conduct an inspection.
Photos released show four officers standing on the island with a Chinese flag.
They placed the flag and then reportedly left without setting up any permanent presence.
The Financial Times, quoting an unnamed Philippine official, confirmed that the Chinese did not build any structures before leaving.
For now, it seems to be only a symbolic action. However, even small moves like this have big consequences in the region.
The timing of the landing is no accident. The Philippines and the United States are currently holding their annual joint military exercises.
The drills, called “Balikatan,” which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog, started on April 21.
These exercises send a clear message of military cooperation between the two countries.
At the opening ceremony, U.S. Marine General James Glynn spoke about the importance of the alliance.
He said the exercises show both the willingness and the ability to defend each other under their long-standing treaty.
Beijing responded angrily. Chinese officials accused Manila of teaming up with outside powers and warned that the exercises could hurt regional stability.
The situation around Tiexian Island will likely be watched closely in the days ahead.