Philippine Navy denies China's control over Sandy Cay, raises flag to affirm sovereignty

The Philippine Navy on Monday denied a Chinese state media report claiming that the China Coast Guard had seized control of Sandy Cay, a tiny sandbank near Pag-asa Island in the Spratly Islands.

Philippine authorities raised their flag over Sandy Cay to affirm sovereignty and debunk China's claims. The Armed Forces of the Philippines stated this action disproves CCG’s April 25 claim of control over Pag-asa Cay 2.

During a Manila briefing, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya emphasized that Philippine authorities have not lost control over Sandy Cay and dismissed China's assertions as misleading narratives.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela confirmed there is no evidence of Chinese occupation or infrastructure on any of the cays, further refuting China’s claims.

Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun claimed earlier Sunday that six personnel from the Philippines had 'illegally boarded' Sandy Cay despite warnings and dissuasion from the Chinese side. The Philippine Navy dismissed this claim as an attempt to divert public attention.