The Chinese regime invaded Philippine territory in the South China Sea.

According to reports from state media, the Chinese Coast Guard invaded and temporarily took control of a small Philippine island in the South China Sea, thus intensifying a regional dispute with the Philippines.

State broadcaster China CCTV broadcast images of four officers dressed in black, carrying the Chinese flag, standing on the disputed reef of Sandy Cay in the Spratly Islands. CCTV indicated that China began to "implement maritime control and exercise sovereign jurisdiction" over the reef in early April.

Both China and the Philippines claimed sovereignty over various islands. Later that same Sunday, the Philippines reported that it had conducted landings on three sandbars and published a photo of Filipino officers displaying their flag, in a posture similar to that shown by the Chinese in their image.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) issued a statement noting the "illegal presence" of a Chinese Coast Guard ship 914 meters from one of the sandbars, as well as the presence of seven Chinese militia vessels.

"This operation reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of the Philippine Government to defend the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea," the statement said.

The tension between both nations has been increasing, with recurrent conflicts that include ship collisions and physical confrontations, fueled by the Chinese dictatorship.

Sandy Cay is located near a Philippine military base on Thitu Island—also known as Pag-asa—which is reportedly used by Manila to monitor Chinese activities in the region.

There are no indications that China has established a permanent presence on the island, which measures just 200 square meters, and it is noted that the Chinese coastguards have already withdrawn.

The White House described reports of a possible Chinese takeover of the reef as "deeply concerning if true."

According to statements released by the Financial Times, James Hewitt, spokesperson for the United States National Security Council, warned that "actions like these threaten regional stability and violate international law." He also assured that the U.S. government is "consulting closely with our own partners."

The Chinese regime's move comes in parallel with the Balikatan military exercises, which are held annually between U.S. and Philippine troops. About 17,000 soldiers are expected to participate in the coming days.

The disputes

Over the centuries, there have been territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but in recent years the tension has increased considerably.

The Chinese dictatorship claims most of the territory in an area delineated by its controversial "nine-dash line." This line, consisting of nine segments, extends hundreds of kilometers from Hainan Island, its southernmost territory.

Other countries disputing the territory, such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei, have also made claims over various islands and areas of the sea.