Sandy Cay Reef : Dispute Between China And The Philippines
The Sandy Cay reef dispute between China and the Philippines has sparked renewed tensions, with both claiming sovereignty amid growing militarization.
- Tensions rose as US and Philippine forces conducted Balikatan war drills, which China has condemned as provocative.
- Sandy Cay lies near Pag-asa Island (Thitu) in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea (SCS). Tiexian Reef is a part of Sandy Cay.
- The reef is claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
- It refers to ongoing territorial conflicts over the sovereignty of various islands, reefs, and maritime zones in SCS.
- China claims most of the South China Sea through the “Nine-Dash Line,” using island-building and naval patrols to assert control.
- It is a U-shaped line on Chinese maps covering nearly 90% of the South China Sea.
