“China declared control over the disputed reef Sand Key, which is a few kilometers from the most important military outpost of the Philippines in the South Chinese Sea. Source: Financial Times Details: The publication notes that this increases the risk of a new confrontation between countries.”, – WRITE: www.pravda.com.ua
Source: Financial Times
Details: The publication notes that this increases the risk of new confrontation between countries.
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The publication states that the military channel of the State TV and Radio Company CCTV reported that the Chinese coast protection “had carried out maritime control and sovereign jurisdiction” over the Sand Key.
The report said that the coastal guards launched a Chinese flag to declare sovereignty over the reef on the Spratley Islands, and showed a photo of this act.
Literally FT: “This is a step one in many years when Beijing, which claims almost the entire water area of the South Chinese Sea, has officially installed its flag on a previously unoccupied object.”
Details: The publication notes that this happens at a time when the Philippines and the United States are planning the largest Balikatan annual military exercises, which will include the coastal defense and seizure of the islands. They begin next week on the territory of the Philippines, which is closest to the spratley.
Literally FT: “Although it is only sandy shallows with an area of just over 200 square meters, the Sand Key is of strategic importance to China because it gives it an area in the sea with a radius of 12 nautical miles.
This territory intersects with the island of Titus, the reef in the South Chinese Sea, which the Philippines are used to track Chinese movements in the area. ”
Details: The publication indicates that the official proclamation of Beijing sovereignty over the Sand Key causes fear that China intends to build unoccupied reefs and shores.
Over the past two years, Manila has intensified the patrol of the coastal security and sent scientific groups to check the reports of China’s reclamation work on the Sand Key and three other southern islands.
Literally FT: “There are no signs of permanent Chinese occupation of the Sand Key or construction on it. The Philippine Maritime Security Representative stated on Saturday that the Chinese coast guard had gone after the flag deployment.”
Details: The publication is added: the Filipino Coast Guard holds the monitoring base for thyitis since the end of 2023, Manila modernizes the runway and other infrastructure on the island. This is part of efforts to make the South Chinese reefs more suitable for life and to resist more aggressive actions by China.
According to experts, further admiration for China is unlikely, since artificial islands created and militarized by Beijing over the last decade have provided him with military and coastal protection.
At the same time, FT adds, Chinese legislation gives the power to stop and check foreign vessels that “invade” the water to which Beijing claims and delay their crews. This increases the risk of collisions with the Philippine military and coastal protection in the waters near Titus, which China considers its own.
Recall: The United States and the Philippines in January conducted joint naval training in the South Chinese Sea.