China asserts control over disputed sandy cay reef near Thitu
The Chinese army has taken control of the disputed Sandy Cay reef in the South China Sea, reports the "Financial Times". Just a few miles away lies Thitu Island, where a Philippine military base is operational. The takeover of Sandy Cay could theoretically allow China to expand its jurisdiction in this area.
What do you need to know?
- The Chinese coastguard has announced its control of the Sandy Cay reef. This has raised concerns about potential further annexations by Beijing in the region.
- Sandy Cay reef is located close to the Philippine military outpost on Thitu Island, which holds strategic significance for monitoring the Chinese navy.
- The occupation of the reef occurred ahead of the annual US-Philippines military exercises.
The "Financial Times" notes that it cannot yet be concluded that China has fully occupied the Sandy Cay reef, as there are no signs of a permanent military presence there.
According to Philippine military authorities, the Chinese coastguard "withdrew" after placing a Chinese flag on the seized territory.
Sandy Cay is a sandy shoal with an area of just over 2,150 square feet. This area, however, is strategically important for China because it allows them to extend jurisdiction over a 12-nautical-mile area, which includes Thitu Island that the Philippines uses to monitor the movements of the Chinese navy.
Threat of escalation? China takes over the shoal
As noted by the "Financial Times", this is the first time in years that Beijing has officially placed its flag on previously uninhabited land in the South China Sea.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, following a Philippine complaint, ruled that China's actions around the Spratly archipelago, where Beijing established a 200-nautical-mile economic zone, are illegal. However, Chinese authorities ignored this ruling.
