Latest news with #NationalTaskForceWestPhilippineSea
Yomiuri Shimbun
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
China and Philippines Use Their Flags to Stake out Competing Claims in the South China Sea
National Task Force West Philippine Sea via AP Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police – Maritime Group, hold the Philippine flag as they visit Sandy Cay 2 at the South China Sea on Sunday April 27, 2025. BEIJING (AP) — The Philippines on Monday rejected China's claim to a group of three sandbars in the South China Sea, after recent displays by both sides of their national flags on the uninhabited outcroppings. The back and forth over Sandy Cay is the latest flare-up in a long-running dispute over territory in the hotly contested South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. The flare-up began last week when a Chinese state-owned newspaper posted exclusive photos of coast guard officers on Sandy Cay from mid-April, including one of them holding up a Chinese flag. Three days later, a joint Philippines coast guard, navy and maritime police team headed on Sunday to the three sandbars and posed for a photo holding up their national flag. 'This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,' a government statement said. It was posted on X with a video and photos, including one showing team members holding up the Philippine flag. The Chinese coast guard described the Philippine landing as 'illegal' and said that Chinese officers had gone ashore 'to conduct on-site verification and enforcement measures.' It didn't specify what those steps entailed. The sandbars are in the Spratly islands between Philippine-occupied Thitu Island and Subi Reef, which China has transformed into a base with a military-grade runway and buildings with communications facilities. China's state-owned Global Times newspaper, which published the photos of coast guard officers on the sandbars earlier this month, said they had picked up plastic bottles and other debris and displayed the Chinese national flag 'to assert sovereignty.' Jonathan Malaya, the assistant director general of the Philippine National Security Council, said Monday that there is no truth to claims that China has seized the sandbars. He attributed the claims to the Chinese coast guard, though the agency has not said anything about the mid-April landing described in the Global Times report, and later by the military channel of state broadcaster CCTV. 'We urge the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Coast Guard to act with restraint and not increase tensions in the West Philippine Sea,' Malaya told a news conference, The two countries have jostled previously over Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in Chinese and Pag-asa Cays in the Philippines. In January, the Chinese coast guard and a naval helicopter drove away a group of Philippines fisheries ships that were attempting to conduct a scientific survey around Sandy Cay. Philippine government vessels brought scientists to Sandy Cay in March of last year for marine research despite repeated warnings by Chinese coast guard ships. Chinese officials accused the Philippine military of attempting to build a structure on one of the sandbars in 2017.
Toronto Sun
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Sun
China, Philippines use their flags to stake out claims in the South China Sea
Published Apr 28, 2025 • 2 minute read In this photo provided by the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), Philippine inter-agency members which included Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, hold the Philippine flag as they visit Sandy Cay 2 at the South China Sea on Sunday April 27, 2025. (National Task Force West Philippine Sea via AP) AP BEIJING (AP) — The Philippines on Monday rejected China's claim to a group of three sandbars in the South China Sea, after recent displays by both sides of their national flags on the uninhabited outcroppings. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The back and forth over Sandy Cay is the latest flare-up in a long-running dispute over territory in the hotly contested South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. The flare-up began last week when a Chinese state-owned newspaper posted exclusive photos of coast guard officers on Sandy Cay from mid-April, including one of them holding up a Chinese flag. Three days later, a joint Philippines coast guard, navy and maritime police team headed on Sunday to the three sandbars and posed for a photo holding up their national flag. 'This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,' a government statement said. It was posted on X with a video and photos, including one showing team members holding up the Philippine flag. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Chinese coast guard described the Philippine landing as 'illegal' and said that Chinese officers had gone ashore 'to conduct on-site verification and enforcement measures.' It didn't specify what those steps entailed. The sandbars are in the Spratly islands between Philippine-occupied Thitu Island and Subi Reef, which China has transformed into a base with a military-grade runway and buildings with communications facilities. China's state-owned Global Times newspaper, which published the photos of coast guard officers on the sandbars earlier this month, said they had picked up plastic bottles and other debris and displayed the Chinese national flag 'to assert sovereignty.' Jonathan Malaya, the assistant director general of the Philippine National Security Council, said Monday that there is no truth to claims that China has seized the sandbars. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He attributed the claims to the Chinese coast guard, though the agency has not said anything about the mid-April landing described in the Global Times report, and later by the military channel of state broadcaster CCTV. 'We urge the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Coast Guard to act with restraint and not increase tensions in the West Philippine Sea,' Malaya told a news conference, The two countries have jostled previously over Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in Chinese and Pag-asa Cays in the Philippines. In January, the Chinese coast guard and a naval helicopter drove away a group of Philippines fisheries ships that were attempting to conduct a scientific survey around Sandy Cay. Philippine government vessels brought scientists to Sandy Cay in March of last year for marine research despite repeated warnings by Chinese coast guard ships. Chinese officials accused the Philippine military of attempting to build a structure on one of the sandbars in 2017. Sunshine Girls Canada World Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs
BreakingNews.ie
28-04-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
China and Philippines use flags to stake competing claims in South China Sea
The Philippines has rejected China's claim to a group of three sandbars in the South China Sea, after recent displays by both sides of their national flags on the uninhabited outcrops. The back and forth over Sandy Cay is the latest flare-up in a long-running dispute over territory in the hotly contested South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. Advertisement The flare-up began last week when a Chinese state-owned newspaper posted exclusive photos of coast guard officers on Sandy Cay from mid-April, including one of them holding up a Chinese flag. Three days later, on Sunday, a joint Philippines coast guard, navy and maritime police team headed to the three sandbars and posed for a photo holding up their national flag. A government statement said: 'This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.' It was posted on social media site X with a video and photos, including one showing team members holding up the Philippine flag. Advertisement A Chinese coast guard ship patrols the area as Philippine inter-agency members visit Sandy Cay in the South China Sea on Sunday (National Task Force West Philippine Sea/AP) The Chinese coast guard described the Philippine landing as 'illegal' and said Chinese officers had gone ashore 'to conduct on-site verification and enforcement measures'. It did not specify what those steps entailed. The sandbars are in the Spratly Islands, between Philippine-occupied Thitu Island and Subi Reef, which China has transformed into a base with a military-grade runway and buildings with communications facilities. China's state-owned Global Times newspaper, which published the photos of coast guard officers on the sandbars earlier this month, said they had picked up plastic bottles and other debris and displayed the Chinese national flag 'to assert sovereignty'. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council, said on Monday that there is no truth to claims that China has seized the sandbars. Advertisement He attributed the claims to the Chinese coast guard, though the agency has not said anything about the mid-April landing described in the Global Times report, and later by the military channel of state broadcaster CCTV. 'We urge the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Coast Guard to act with restraint and not increase tensions in the West Philippine Sea,' Mr Malaya told a news conference, The two countries have previously jostled over Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in Chinese and Pag-asa Cays in the Philippines. In January, the Chinese coast guard and a naval helicopter drove away a group of Philippines fisheries ships that were attempting to conduct a scientific survey around Sandy Cay. Advertisement Philippine government vessels took scientists to Sandy Cay in March last year for marine research despite repeated warnings by Chinese coast guard ships. Chinese officials accused the Philippine military of attempting to build a structure on one of the sandbars in 2017.
Irish Examiner
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
China and Philippines use flags to stake competing claims in South China Sea
The Philippines has rejected China's claim to a group of three sandbars in the South China Sea, after recent displays by both sides of their national flags on the uninhabited outcrops. The back and forth over Sandy Cay is the latest flare-up in a long-running dispute over territory in the hotly contested South China Sea, which China claims almost in its entirety. The flare-up began last week when a Chinese state-owned newspaper posted exclusive photos of coast guard officers on Sandy Cay from mid-April, including one of them holding up a Chinese flag. Three days later, on Sunday, a joint Philippines coast guard, navy and maritime police team headed to the three sandbars and posed for a photo holding up their national flag. A government statement said: 'This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.' It was posted on social media site X with a video and photos, including one showing team members holding up the Philippine flag. A Chinese coast guard ship patrols the area as Philippine inter-agency members visit Sandy Cay in the South China Sea on Sunday (National Task Force West Philippine Sea/AP) The Chinese coast guard described the Philippine landing as 'illegal' and said Chinese officers had gone ashore 'to conduct on-site verification and enforcement measures'. It did not specify what those steps entailed. The sandbars are in the Spratly Islands, between Philippine-occupied Thitu Island and Subi Reef, which China has transformed into a base with a military-grade runway and buildings with communications facilities. China's state-owned Global Times newspaper, which published the photos of coast guard officers on the sandbars earlier this month, said they had picked up plastic bottles and other debris and displayed the Chinese national flag 'to assert sovereignty'. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the Philippine National Security Council, said on Monday that there is no truth to claims that China has seized the sandbars. He attributed the claims to the Chinese coast guard, though the agency has not said anything about the mid-April landing described in the Global Times report, and later by the military channel of state broadcaster CCTV. 'We urge the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Coast Guard to act with restraint and not increase tensions in the West Philippine Sea,' Mr Malaya told a news conference, The two countries have previously jostled over Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Reef in Chinese and Pag-asa Cays in the Philippines. In January, the Chinese coast guard and a naval helicopter drove away a group of Philippines fisheries ships that were attempting to conduct a scientific survey around Sandy Cay. Philippine government vessels took scientists to Sandy Cay in March last year for marine research despite repeated warnings by Chinese coast guard ships. Chinese officials accused the Philippine military of attempting to build a structure on one of the sandbars in 2017.
The Independent
28-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
China and Philippines raise flags on tiny South China Sea sandbank as tensions mount
China and the Philippines have both raised their flags to counter each other's claims over a tiny sandbank in the South China Sea, potentially starting a new standoff amid escalating tensions in the region. Pictures show Filipino and Chinese coast guards hoisting their respective national flags on the beach of the disputed Sandy Cay reef, which is part of the Spratly Islands – an area that has emerged as a flashpoint between Beijing and Manila. The Chinese coast guard said they 'dealt with' a situation of Filipino coast guards 'illegally boarding' the reef. They claimed six Filipino personnel had landed on the sandbank, prompting Chinese officers to go ashore "to conduct on-site verification and enforcement measures'. They did not specify what measures were taken. State broadcaster CCTV showed four Chinese officers in black uniforms unfurling the flag on what it said was the disputed Sandy Cay reef. It said that China 'implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction' on the reef and coast guards arrived to "collect video evidence regarding the illegal activities of the Philippine side". The Philippine coast guard countered by raising their flag on Sunday. The National Task Force West Philippine Sea said it found "the illegal presence" of a Chinese coast guard vessel stationed about 914m from one of the sandbanks along with seven Chinese militia vessels. National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said that the Chinese claim of occupation of the reef was fake news, debunking the images shared by Chinese state media. 'The facts on the ground belie their statements,' Mr Malaya said. 'It is not to the benefit of any nation if these things are happening, nor it is to the benefit of any nation if such irresponsible announcements and statements are released to the public and to the world'. Mr Malay denounced the Chinese military's move as 'irresponsible'. 'We're here to debunk that and to assure the public we have not lost the Pagasa Cays," he said using the Filipino name for the sandbars,' he said at a press conference. Philippines Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela s aid the navy sent four teams on rubber boats to the reef as he shared pictures and videos of the operation. 'This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine government to uphold the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,' he said. The tiny Sandy Cay holds strategic value due to its proximity to Thitu, the largest and most strategically important of the nine islands, reefs, and rocks occupied by Manila in the Spratly archipelago, where Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China maintain a presence as well. China has also built artificial islands in the region and equipped them with runways, ports, and missile systems. Sandy Cay is also crucial because its categorisation as rock could give the nation controlling access to the waters around it and the 12-nautical-mile radius would overlap with the Thitu island.
