This development comes at a time when Philippine and US troops are conducting their annual military exercises, which include preparation for potential South China Sea conflicts

The standoff over Sandy Cay, which lies close to military outposts built by both Beijing and Manila, was the latest between the two nations.

China has seized control of a disputed reef near the Philippines’ Thitu Island, escalating tensions in the South China Sea. By claiming the small patch of sandy clay, Beijing gains a critical territorial advantage overlapping with key Philippine outposts.