Syllabus:

GS 2: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: 

Recently, China and the Philippines both defended their claims to the disputed Sandy Cay reef in the South China Sea.

China's Claim 

• On April 26, 2025, Chinese state broadcaster reported that the China Coast Guard had implemented “maritime control” over Tiexian Reef, part of Sandy Cay.
• Chinese State broadcaster also published a photograph of four Chinese coast guard officials posing with the national flag on the reef’s white sand.
• Chinese authorities later accused six Philippine personnel of “illegally landing” on the reef and warned against further “infringement.”

Philippines' Response

On April 28, 2025, National Security Council spokesman of Philippines:

• Denied China's claim stating “There is no truth whatsoever” to the assertion that the sandbanks had been seized.
• Accused China of using “information space to intimidate and harass”, calling the report a “made-up” and “irresponsible” story.

The Philippine Coast Guard released its own photo of Filipino sailors raising the national flag over Sandy Cay during a mission the previous day.

China’s Official Stand

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated:

• Sandy Cay reef is part of China’s territory.
• China’s actions were “rights protection and law enforcement activities.”
• Accused the Philippines of illegal landings, provocations and infringement of sovereignty.

Geopolitical and Ecological Concerns

• Both the countries have recently exchanged accusations over the ecological degradation of landforms in the South China Sea.
• China claims most of the South China Sea through the "Nine-Dash Line", despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated its claims.
• Claim of South China Sea: China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. 
• Disputed Islands: Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, and Scarborough Shoal etc. 

US-Philippines Military Alliance and Exercises:

• The US and Philippines launched their largest-ever “Balikatan” military exercise on April 21, 2025:
• Includes deployment of an anti-ship missile launcher in northern Philippines, near Taiwan.
• For the first time, Japanese forces are participating fully, reflecting growing Manila-Tokyo security cooperation.
• The previous Biden administration had assured the Philippines of mutual defense commitments in the South China Sea.
• Under President Trump, while strategic continuity remains uncertain, cabinet officials like Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have strongly advocated tougher stances on China.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q: Examine the strategic importance of the South China Sea and the implications of the recent China–Philippine’s standoff over Sandy Cay.