China seizes disputed Sandy Cay near Pag-asa Island

China has seized control of Sandy Cay, a disputed reef just five nautical miles from the Philippine-controlled Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.

The Chinese Coast Guard landed on the reef on April 26 to enforce maritime management and exercise sovereign jurisdiction, unfurling the Chinese flag.

This action occurred during joint Balikatan military exercises between the Philippines and the US, which Beijing has criticized.

Sandy Cay, also known as Tiexian Jiao and Bailan Island, is part of the Spratly Islands and lies near Pag-asa Island.

Aside from the Philippines and China, Vietnam and Taiwan also claim sovereignty over the feature.

The Chinese Coast Guard also stated they conducted an inspection and collected video evidence regarding alleged illegal activities by the Philippine side, and "cleaned up leftover plastic bottles, wooden sticks, and other debris and garbage on the reef."

China claims sovereignty over almost all of the South China Sea, despite an international ruling against its claims.

Confrontations between the Philippine Coast Guard and China Coast Guard and militia vessels have significantly increased recently.