The Philippine military firmly responded on Sunday by planting its national flag at Sandy Cay reef, a disputed spot in the South China Sea. This move came only a few days after Chinese forces had done the same, according to the Philippine News Agency.

Earlier, China's coast guard stated it had "dealt with" six Filipinos, accusing them of illegally landing on the reef. Beijing also claimed that the sandbank had recently come under its authority.

Mission to Strengthen Sovereignty

On Sunday, the Philippines carried out a coordinated maritime mission under the National Operational-Tactical Group West Philippine Sea. As reported by the Philippine News Agency, the goal was to "strengthen the regular and lawful exercise of the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters of the Western Philippine Sea."

The Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and the Maritime Group of the National Police joined forces for the operation. Four teams traveled in rubber boats and landed on Cay 1, Cay 2, and Cay 3. During their mission, they spotted the presence of Chinese personnel on the islands. Shortly after, images showing the Philippine flags firmly placed on the islands started spreading across social media platforms.

Growing Tensions in the Region

China continues to assert claims over nearly the entire South China Sea. In recent months, friction between China and the Philippines has escalated. Notably, this latest incident comes just days ahead of the annual joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States near the Spratly Islands.

China's Reaction and Warning

Chinese coast guard spokesperson Liu Dejun responded by accusing six Filipinos of "illegally boarding" the Tiexian Reef. He added that Chinese authorities dealt with them "in accordance with the law," although he did not provide further information. Liu also issued a sharp warning by saying, "We urge the Philippines to immediately stop its infringement." Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that a Philippine maritime official confirmed that the Chinese coast guard left the area after raising their own flag.