Beijing seizes tiny sandbank in South China Sea
Summary
China's coastguard took control of a small sandbank, Sandy Cay, in the South China Sea. This created more tension in an ongoing disagreement with the Philippines over territory in the water. The U.S. and Philippine forces were doing yearly war drills at the same time.Key Facts
- Chinese coastguard officers were shown on Sandy Cay, a small sandbank in the South China Sea.
- Both China and the Philippines claim to own parts of the South China Sea, creating a dispute.
- Sandy Cay is close to a Philippine military base on Thitu Island.
- After China took control of Sandy Cay, there were no indications that China planned to stay there permanently.
- News that China had taken control of the reef concerned the White House.
- James Hewitt, a spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, said that taking over the reef could upset peace in the region and go against international law.
- As this occurred, US and Philippine forces were conducting annual war drills.
- Over time, tension over territory in the South China Sea has increased. Countries like Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei have also claimed ownership of parts of the sea.
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