The incident took place on Wednesday morning near Sandy Cay, a group of sandbars located close to Thitu Island—also known as Pag-asa Island—which is the only inhabited island in the Spratlys under Philippine control.
Incident Details
According to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine vessels were conducting a routine mission to support a scientific team collecting sand samples near Sandy Cay when the collision occurred. Chinese coast guard vessel 21559 allegedly “sideswiped” the BRP Datu Sanday, causing damage to its bow and smokestack. BFAR stated that the incident placed the lives of civilian personnel on board at risk.
The Chinese vessel also reportedly used a water cannon against the Philippine fisheries ship. This marks the first recorded use of such equipment against a BFAR vessel near Sandy Cay.
Despite the confrontation, the Philippine research team successfully completed its mission.
China's Response
The Chinese coast guard claimed that Philippine vessels had “illegally” entered the waters near Sandy Cay without authorization. Chinese state media reported that their personnel “carried out control measures in accordance with the law” and went ashore to inspect the situation. China refers to Sandy Cay as Tiexian Reef.
In April, Sandy Cay was also the site of a symbolic dispute, with Chinese and Philippine personnel separately posing with national flags to assert sovereignty claims.
Background and Geopolitical Context
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. These claims were invalidated by a 2016 international arbitration ruling, which China does not recognize.
The South China Sea remains a flashpoint for regional tensions. Past maritime encounters have led to injuries among Filipino sailors and raised questions about the application of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty in case of further escalation.
The Philippines has pledged to continue defending its maritime rights, pursue diplomatic and security cooperation with the United States and regional allies, and invest in military modernization.
