The Chinese coast guard has landed on a disputed islet in the South China Sea to exercise Beijing's sovereignty there, Chinese state television said, quoted by Agence France-Presse.
This is an islet disputed between China and the Philippines.
China claims sovereignty over almost all the islets and reefs in the South China Sea and is challenging the decision of an international arbitration court, according to which China's claims have no legal basis.
Now it is about the islet of Tiexiang, also known by its English name Sandy Cay. It is part of the Spratly archipelago and is a few kilometers from Tite Island, the largest Philippine-controlled island in the archipelago.
According to Philippine officials, four Chinese coast guard officers planted a Chinese flag on the islet and then left.
The news comes as Philippine and US forces are conducting joint military exercises that began on April 21, aimed at forming a common front in the region against China. About 17,000 people have been mobilized for the maneuvers, which this year simulate a full-scale battle.
A new US short-range air defense system known as MADIS was demonstrated today in Zambales province, north of Manila, during the exercises, which are aimed at improving the defense of the archipelago's coastline.
Chinese warships, including an aircraft carrier, have been seen in waters near the Philippines since the start of the exercises. Beijing has criticized the maneuvers, saying they undermine stability in the region. China has accused the Philippines of colluding with outside parties.