Philippines Denies China's Claim on Disputed Sandy Cay Reef

The Philippines has strongly denied a Chinese state media report claiming that Beijing has taken control of Sandy Cay reef in the disputed South China Sea, asserting the status quo remains unchanged and accusing China of spreading 'irresponsible' misinformation. Philippine officials argue these claims are part of a broader pattern of information operations by China, possibly aimed at influencing the country's upcoming midterm elections—a charge the Chinese government firmly rejects. Chinese officials and the Chinese Embassy in Manila have reiterated their adherence to non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs and condemned what they describe as baseless accusations and the use of the 'China card' for political gain by Philippine politicians. Both sides continue to assert their sovereignty over the reef, with no evidence of permanent Chinese occupation or construction detected. The dispute occurs amid ongoing confrontations between the two nations in the South China Sea, as well as heightened scrutiny over alleged Chinese espionage and election interference in the Philippines. These developments have further strained bilateral relations and drawn international attention to the region.