Beijing grabs tiny sand in the south -Chita seas

The Chinese coast confiscated the tiny sandy bank in the South -China Sea, state media reported in the escalation of the regional dispute with the Philippines.

The CCTV state television company released images of four officers, wearing all the black and holding the Chinese flag, stood on the controversial reef Sandy Kay in the islands.

The channel stated that China “implemented maritime control and carried out sovereign jurisdiction” at the reef earlier in April.

The Philippine government still has to officially respond. Both China and the Philippines set their requirements in different islands and zones. Their dispute is increasing, with Frequent confrontations Including courts that face contractions.

Sandy Kay is located near the Philippine military outpost on Tita Island, which is reportedly used to track Chinese movements in the area.

There is no sign that China is constantly occupying the island of 200 square meters, and the coast guard has been reportedly left.

The White House states that the reports of China that capture the reef “deeply concern if the truth.”

In the comments about which are reported Financial Times, James Hyiite, the US National Security Council press, warned that “such actions threaten regional stability and violate international law”, adding that the White House “consulted with our partners.”

The Chinese step comes when we and the Philippine forces conduct their annual training workouts – called ballyatan exercises. China criticized training as provocative.

17,000 people participate in the coming days. On Sunday, a rockets from the integrated US Marine Air Defense system were released off the coast of the Northern Philippines, the second live fire test and the first deployment in the Philippines. The drills are also installed to submit NMESIS US Air Missile system.

The Philippines said the training is a rehearsal for national defense, but insists that they are not directed to any specific country.

“This type of training is absolutely invaluable for us,” said the third seas officer of the regiment John Lehan.

Exercise helped reduce fears among some US allies that Donald Trump could raise many years of military support she provided in the region.

Last month, US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegset, said Washington was “doubled” on his union with the country and was determined to “restore the restraint” against China.

In the South -Chinese Sea, over the centuries, there has been a softening, but tension in recent years has grown.

China is currently claiming the largest part of the territory in the area, separated by the so -called “nine -line line.” The line consists of nine dashes that pass hundreds of miles south and east of the southernmost province of Hainan. Beijing supported his expansive claims against the island and naval patrols.

Competition applicants, such as Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei, made claims to the islands and different zones in the sea.