Disputes between China and the Philippines escalate with the display of competitive flags on sandbanks

On Sunday, April 27, the dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea escalated as both countries displayed flags in a group of sand depots claimed by the two countries.

On April 25, China’s state broadcaster CCTV said that China has occupied the sandbank.

CCTV said China “implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction” on reefs on reefs in early April. The channel released images of four officers, dressed in all black and holding Chinese flags, standing on the disputed reefs of Sandy Island in the Sprat Islands.

The Philippine Coast Guard released videos and images on Sunday, April 27, showing a team showing the Philippines flag on the same sandbank.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said the state authorities had conducted an action in the region to “strengthen the awareness and jurisdiction of the Philippine authorities in the daily exercise and legal exercise of the maritime sphere against the West Philippine Sea.”

China responded on Sunday, accusing Filipinos of “illegal landing” on Turks Reef “despite warnings and advice.”

“China has undisputed sovereignty in the Nansha Islands, including Teix Reef and its surrounding waters.” Credit: Philippine Coast Guard Passes Stories