DFA chief to China: Refrain from actions amid sea code talks after Sandy Cay incident

Metro Manila, Philippines - Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo has urged China to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could raise tensions in the South China Sea following reports that Chinese personnel briefly landed on Sandy Cay near Pag-asa Island.

“We are very much committed to observing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties, and in fact, we’re negotiating a Code of Conduct,” Manalo said in an interview. “We hope countries can at least minimize or refrain from taking actions such as this.”

Manalo emphasized that Manila is closely monitoring the situation, particularly after Chinese state media claimed its coast guard had "implemented maritime control" over Sandy Cay, a disputed sandbank within the West Philippine Sea.

“We’re closely monitoring it and trying to see exactly what the plans are with respect to that,” he said. “We are considering an appropriate action if needed on this, but we will consult, of course, our various agencies.”

At present, Manalo said there is no immediate move yet, but stressed that the Philippine government is weighing all possible responses. “Nothing at the moment, but certainly it’s a possibility and we’re considering all these options,” he added.

The Philippines earlier debunked China's claim of "seizing control" of the Pag-asa Cays, maintaining that Philippine forces continue to exercise jurisdiction over the features, which are located near the country's main outpost on Pag-asa Island, which the Chinese call Thitu.