Philippine officials say a mission visited Sandy Cay reef in the disputed South China Sea and unfurled the national flag.
Philippine officials refuted Chinese claims of interference during a recent mission to Sandy Cay reef, asserting that no takeover occurred despite China’s accusations of illegal boarding by Filipino personnel. The Philippines emphasized its sovereignty by unfurling the national flag on the reef, while denying any Chinese control, labeling Beijing’s statements as disinformation. Concurrently, the Philippines and the US began joint military exercises, raising tensions with China, which criticized the collaboration as destabilizing.
