Microwave Weapons, Disputed Sandy Cay, US Drills – Philippines, China Near Breaking Point? CLRCUT

China and the Philippines are locked in an escalating confrontation over Sandy Cay, a tiny reef in the disputed Spratly Islands, with both sides accusing the other of illegal actions and sovereignty violations. On March 27, China claimed its coast guard “handled” six Filipino personnel who had “illegally landed” on the reef, prompting swift rebuttals from Manila, which called the allegations fabricated and part of a wider Chinese disinformation campaign. Both nations have staged competing flag displays on the reef, highlighting its strategic location near key military outposts. As tensions flare, the US and the Philippines have launched their largest-ever Balikatan joint military drills, deploying cutting-edge weapons including anti-ship missile systems and high-power anti-drone technology to bolster deterrence. China, warning of the risk of war, has accused Manila of “colluding with the devil” and provoking instability by aligning too closely with Washington. With over $3 trillion in global trade flowing through the South China Sea annually, the battle over this sliver of sand now risks sparking a broader regional conflict with global repercussions.
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