Sandy Cay, known in Chinese as Tiexian Reef, is a small reef located in the northern Spratly Islands, just 1.5 nautical miles northwest of Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), which is controlled by the Philippines. Despite its small size, Sandy Cay has become a hotspot in the ongoing South China Sea disputes, with overlapping claims from China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
The Dispute Unfolds
In April 2025, the China Coast Guard landed on Sandy Cay and raised the Chinese flag, declaring it under their sovereign jurisdiction. This marked China’s first formal occupation of the feature in years, drawing swift reaction from the Philippines.
In response, the Philippine government sent personnel from its coast guard, navy, and maritime police to Sandy Cay, where they too raised their national flag. This move was a firm assertion of the Philippines’ claim and a symbolic act of resistance against China’s expansionist actions.
International Reactions
The United States expressed concern over China’s actions, warning that such moves threaten regional stability and violate international law. Although a 2016 international tribunal ruled against China’s broad claims in the South China Sea, Beijing has maintained a strong presence in the area through a combination of coast guard patrols, maritime militias, and militarized artificial islands.
Why Sandy Cay Matters
Sandy Cay may be a small and shifting sandbar, but under international law, if it is classified as a “rock” capable of sustaining human life or economic activity, it could justify a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea. This overlaps with Philippine-claimed waters, intensifying the dispute.
The strategic location of Sandy Cay also makes it a potential launch point for controlling maritime movement in the region — further raising its significance in the eyes of both China and the Philippines.
The Way Forward
The Sandy Cay incident underscores the urgent need for peaceful resolution mechanisms in the South China Sea. Diplomatic dialogue and adherence to international legal rulings must take precedence over unilateral military actions. If not addressed properly, such disputes could escalate and destabilize the entire region.
Conclusion
Sandy Cay, though small and uninhabited, symbolizes the larger struggle for sovereignty and influence in the South China Sea. As tensions continue to rise, the international community must encourage dialogue, restraint, and respect for international law to ensure peace and stability in this strategically vital region.
