Philippines denies China has seized control of disputed reef
MANILA – The Philippines said on Monday there was no truth to reports that China had seized control of a disputed reef in the South China Sea, with a top security official saying the facts on the ground contradicted Beijing’s assertions over Sandy Cay.
“The facts on the ground belie their statements,” National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said last week the country’s coastguard had conducted maritime control operations at Sandy Cay, which China calls the Tiexian Reef, exercising sovereignty jurisdiction.
On Sunday, the Philippines conducted a maritime operation in the area, and observed the “illegal presence” of Chinese coastguard and “maritime militia” vessels. — Reuters
