Vietnam protests China, Philippines activities in Sandy Cay

Metro Manila, Philippines – Vietnam on Saturday protested claims by China and the Philippines over disputed reefs in the South China Sea, asserting its sovereignty over the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago, which it considers its own territory.

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang reiterated Hanoi’s position that it has “sufficient legal basis and historical evidence” to assert sovereignty over the Truong Sa islands, including Hoai An, Tri Le, and Cai Vung reefs. She said any activity conducted by other parties without Vietnam’s consent “violates Vietnam’s sovereignty, complicates the situation, and undermines ongoing efforts to finalize a binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.”Vietnam called on all parties to respect its sovereignty, adhere to international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region. It added that diplomatic notes have been sent to protest the actions.The protest comes amid heightened maritime tensions, following Beijing’s state-run media reports that China had implemented “maritime control” over Sandy Cay, a sandbar near Pag-asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group, which is part of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).The Philippines’ National Maritime Council (NMC) denounced China’s claim as part of an orchestrated disinformation campaign meant to mislead both domestic and international audiences.“The alleged seizure of Pag-asa Cay 2 (Sandy Cay), an integral part of the Philippine national territory in the West Philippine Sea, was a clear example of disinformation,” the NMC said. “China made it appear it had effective control of the cay by displaying its flag and conducting waste collection.”The NMC stressed that Sandy Cay remains under Philippine jurisdiction, and that the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and Police Maritime Group had conducted a routine visit to Sandy Cay and nearby cays last Monday. During the visit, the Philippines raised its flag to reassert sovereignty and counter China’s narrative.“The Philippines is unwavering in fighting false allegations that detract from the country’s lawful exercise of its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction,” the NMC stated.The NMC urged Beijing to comply with its international obligations, specifically UNCLOS, the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, and the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).