China declares the disputed island its territory: the conflict with the Philippines is escalating

The Chinese government has officially declared Sandy Cay, a small island in the disputed Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea, as its territory. This was reported by China Central Television.

The Spratly archipelago has long been a source of controversy between China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. Now, for the first time, Beijing has officially occupied one of these territories.

It is reported that the Chinese Coast Guard planted the country's national flag on Sandy Cay and filmed the process. China explains this action as "to assert its sovereignty and collect video evidence of the illegal actions of the Philippines."

The area of Sandy Cay is just over 200 square meters and is mostly sand. However, according to international law, such small islands are allowed to occupy a 22-kilometer territorial waters around them. This area also includes the most important strategic point of the Philippines - Titu Island. The Philippine government has been operating one of its main military bases on this island since 2023, and its infrastructure and runways are currently being modernized.

At the same time, as an official from the Philippine Maritime Safety Administration noted, the Chinese coast guard left the area after installing a flag and completing filming. So far, there has been no permanent Chinese presence on the island.

The incident occurred on the eve of large-scale joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, which will begin on April 28 near the Spratly archipelago. During the exercises, the Philippine and American military are expected to conduct coastal defense and island-taking maneuvers.

It should be recalled that the disputes over the disputed islands in the South China Sea began after World War II. At that time, Japan lost control of these territories and several countries declared their claims to the islands. Currently, the Spratly archipelago remains a flashpoint in international relations.

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