The conflict in the South China Sea

 

China claims control over island – Philippines fights back

China has taken over the tiny island of Sand Cay in the South China Sea, but despite the island's size, the move could have major geopolitical effects, writes the BBC.

Over the weekend, images were published on Chinese state television showing four members of the Chinese coast guard standing on the island with a Chinese flag. China also claims that it "established maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction" over the island earlier in April.

The island has long been disputed. In addition to China, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines claim control over it. The latter country responded on Sunday by claiming control over three similar islands, but it is unclear whether any of them is Sand Cay, writes the BBC.

US is concerned by China's move "if it is true"

The White House is taking seriously China's claim that it has taken control of the disputed island of Sand Cay in the South China Sea - if the information turns out to be true. This is reported by the Financial Times.

- Such actions threaten regional stability and violate international law, says James Hewitt, spokesman for the US National Security Council.