China's Play on Sandy Cay: South China Sea's Fresh Power Struggle
China's actions on Sandy Cay under scrutiny as FA reaffirms ongoing COC discussions
In the blustery month of April 2025, China's aggressive play was evident as its coast guard stormed Sandy Cay, a disputed, miniature reef nestled in the South China Sea. This daring move culminated in the garish hoisting of China's flag, declaring sovereignty over the area. This audacious move is a part of China's intricate strategy to flex its muscles and assert jurisdiction in the region, especially since Sandy Cay sits tantalizingly close to Subi Reef - one of China's most significant artificial islands turned military bases [1][2].
The Sandy Cay Factor in the Spratly Island Clash
Sandy Cay, known as Tiexian Jiao in China and Pagasa Cay 2 in the Philippines, is a valuable pawn in the larger game of the contested Spratly Islands. The area's strategic significance stems from its proximity to Subi Reef and Thitu Island - the Philippines' largest base in the region. With its recent actions, China appears to be keen on deepening its military and legal presence in the South China Sea [1][2].
The Ever-Challenging Negotiations for the Code of Conduct (COC)
China's bold moves on Sandy Cay could further muddy the waters in the ongoing COC negotiations involving China and Southeast Asian nations. The COC aims to set behavioral guidelines for the disputed region to tamp down tension and avert conflicts. However, China's persistent show of force in the South China Sea, like its recent Sandy Cay debacle, could shatter trust among other players, thus slowing down the progress in these vital talks.
The Current State of COC Negotiations
As of the present, COC talks continue to drag their feet, remaining thorny and laborious. China's latest actions on Sandy Cay might make it harder for countries to find common ground, especially given that these actions aren't in line with international law as perceived by several collaborating nations. Despite China's promises to expedite the COC negotiations, their relentless pursuit of territorial claims over collaborative governance of the region suggests a troubling prioritization [1][2].
Potential Fallouts
- Rising International Tensions: China's moves could escalate tension between China and other claimants in the South China Sea, such as the Philippines and Vietnam. This could bring about a sharp increase in military presence, and a heightened risk of conflict.
- Regional Instability: China's annexation tactics could destabilize the region, potentially discouraging investment and cooperation, and making it a less attractive region for partnerships.
- Legal Battles: China's approach runs afoul of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which many rely on to defend their maritime rights. This could lead to broader legal conflicts in the region.
- A Weakened COC: If successfully finalized, a watered-down COC may not effectively manage disputes or reduce the risk of miscalculation and conflict in the South China Sea.
All in all, China's recent moves on Sandy Cay illuminate the hurdles in achieving a successful COC due to enduring tensions and the relentless pursuit of territorial claims in the South China Sea.
- The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed concern over China's actions on Sandy Cay, stating that it may impact the general-news politics surrounding the disputed South China Sea.
- ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, have expressed their commitment to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and have called for adherence to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and the eventual conclusion of a COC.
- On the sidelines of the ongoing ASEAN meetings, Manalo, a Filipino Foreign Minister, addressed the media, expressing their deep disappointment with China's move on Sandy Cay and reiterated their position to uphold their rights over the contested islands as a responsible government.
- The government of the Philippines has also emphasized the need for pursuing a meaningful, effective, and legally binding COC that reflects the interests and concerns of all parties involved in the South China Sea dispute.
- In a joint statement released during the ASEAN Foreign ministers' meeting, the member states expressed their concern over recent developments in the South China Sea and called on all parties to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions that may escalate tensions, such as China's actions on Sandy Cay.
