Vietnam has formally objected to territorial claims made by both China and the Philippines over Sandy Cay, a disputed area in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea.
The protest comes after recent tensions between Beijing and Manila, sparked by a Chinese media claim that China’s coast guard had taken control of Tiexian Reef—part of Sandy Cay—in mid-April. In response, the Philippine Coast Guard released photos showing its personnel raising the Philippine flag over the same reef the day before China’s reported action.
Vietnam’s foreign ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated on Saturday that protest notes were issued to both countries. She asserted that Sandy Cay is part of Vietnam’s sovereign territory and called on all parties to avoid actions that would worsen tensions.
Sandy Cay is located near Thitu Island (Pag-asa), where the Philippines has stationed troops and operates a coast guard outpost. The broader Spratly Islands are claimed in whole or in part by multiple countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, China, and others.
The South China Sea remains a hotbed of geopolitical rivalry, rich in natural resources and vital to global shipping. Despite a 2016 international ruling invalidating Beijing’s sweeping claims, China continues its aggressive assertions, prompting concern from neighboring states.