The armed troops of China just unfurled the national flag on a contested reef in the South China Sea, according to experts, in what is thought to be the first public display of what had previously been quiet actions in decades.
In contrast to how Chinese fishermen, sea army, and also human organizations have placed flags on contested reefs, rocks, and islands in the controversial waterway since the 1990s, observers claim that China’s most recent action is a sharp display of power meant to show its willingness to deal with potential escalation in the midst of rising tensions with the United States.
They add that the construction of Sandy Cay, a series of three abandoned sandbars close to a Spanish military post in the disputed Spratly Islands, also serves as a reassuring reminder to local audiences that Beijing continues to hold its ground on fundamental rights, such as independence, and to present strength as external pressure rises.
Foreign state broadcaster CCTV reported on April 25 that its coastline guard” as part of sea control activities to proclaim Beijing’s sovereignty” had landed on Sandy Cay.
The beach guard, according to the journalist, has “implemented power” over Tiexian Reef, a part of the Sandy Cay have. Four members of the crew, all wearing black combat products, were seen posing with the Chinese national flag after leaving the reef on an inflated dinghy.
The Philippine Coast Guard posted a picture of its officers raising the flag on the disputed coral on April 28. It stated that the vision had taken place the day before dawn, which was seen as a strong refutation of China’s claim to sovereignty.
The developments come as part of the US and Philippines ‘ largest joint military exercises ever conducted in nearby waters. In response to what Washington views as growing Chinese confidence in the region, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently traveled to Asia and made a pledge to “restore punishment” and improve security ties with Manila.
It’s primarily metaphorical, for the time being. It’s minor provocations coming from both sides at a very low levels. Adib Zalkapli, the managing chairman of Lens Global Affairs and an expert in the Indo-Pacific, said that the situation is not yet “alarming.”
Another experts said that the move shows that China is drawing a line in the sand to declare its unwavering support for territorial disputes and additional pressure.
A reminder to the Philippines against furthering its defense cooperation with the US is given, according to Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow in the Lowy Institute’s Southeast Asia program.
CALIBRATED Clash
China asserts almost the whole South China Sea, a position that recurs with that of some other nations and territories, and contradicts a 2016 worldwide tribunal ruling that rejected Beijing’s claims of ownership of the disputed islands and waters.
Thitu Island, the Philippines ‘ largest and most strategically important outpost in the Spratly Islands, is close to Sandy Cay. In the South China Sea, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan each have overlapping regional states, among which the island bars, islands, and stones.