HANOI: Vietnam has lodged formal protests over claims by China and the Philippines to Sandy Cay, a contested reef in the Spratly Islands, calling it a violation of its sovereignty.
The diplomatic row flared after Chinese state media reported its coast guard had seized control of Tiexian Reef — part of Sandy Cay — in mid-April.
Manila responded days later by releasing a photo of Filipino sailors planting a flag at the site.
Vietnam’s foreign ministry said it had issued protest notes to both countries and urged “relevant parties” to avoid actions that escalate tensions.
It reaffirmed Sandy Cay as part of its territory, located about 500km off its east coast.
The reef lies near Thitu Island (Pag-asa), where the Philippines maintains a military outpost and coast guard station.
Beijing claims nearly all of the South China Sea, despite a 2016 international ruling rejecting its assertions.
The area is rich in energy reserves and lies along key global trade routes. – AFP
