The recent standoff over Sandy Cay, a small sandbar in the South China Sea, highlights escalating tensions between China and the Philippines. Following a landing by the Chinese Coast Guard, which raised its flag to assert sovereignty, the Philippines responded by deploying its personnel. This incident occurred alongside U.S.-Philippines military exercises, which China condemned. China's territorial claims in the region, particularly in the Spratlys, have been a source of conflict for years, compounded by its military buildup in the area, notably around Subi Reef.
The standoff comes days after the United States and the Philippines began their annual joint military drills, which China has criticized as undermining regional stability.
China has built up a large military presence in the Spratlys, establishing a military base on reclaimed land around Subi Reef, close to the Philippines' military outpost.
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