Overview

• The Chinese coast guard briefly seized and inspected Tiexian Reef, near the Philippine-held Thitu Island, asserting sovereignty over the disputed territory.
• Coast guard officials planted a Chinese flag on the reef and conducted inspections before leaving, with no signs of permanent occupation or construction reported.
• The Philippines and U.S. are conducting their largest-ever Balikatan joint military exercises, including integrated air and missile defense simulations for the first time.
• China has dismissed the 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated its sweeping South China Sea claims, continuing to assert control over disputed areas.
• The incident highlights escalating tensions in the South China Sea, with Manila strengthening its defense ties with Washington to counter Beijing's actions.