Philippines Denies China’s Takeover of Sandy Cay after Chinese state media claimed that Beijing had gained full control over the sandbar near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya firmly rejected the reports, stating there is no evidence or official document supporting China’s claim.
The agency emphasized that no facts validate the China Coast Guard’s assertion that it has assumed control over Sandy Cay.
Chinese state media earlier reported that maritime control operations were conducted at Sandy Cay in mid-April.
Last Sunday, Chinese Coast Guard spokesperson Liu Dejun accused six Filipinos of allegedly landing on the sandbar despite warnings.
In response, the Philippines immediately deployed four Inter-Agency Maritime Operation teams to verify the situation.
Upon their arrival, the Philippine teams found no Chinese forces occupying Sandy Cay, although China Coast Guard and militia vessels were monitored nearby.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, described China’s claims as outright lies and an act of disinformation.