Hanoi [Vietnam] : Vietnam has formally lodged protests with both China and the Philippines over their recent activities at Sandy Cay, a disputed sandbank in the South China Sea, signaling a firmer stance in regional maritime disputes, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA).
Last week, both China and the Philippines held separate flag-raising ceremonies at Sandy Cay, a strategic location near the Spratly Islands. For the Philippines, the sandbank is a crucial vantage point to monitor Chinese movements within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Vietnam, which also lays claim to Sandy Cay, objected to the unilateral actions and emphasized its sovereignty over the territory.
Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated, “Vietnam urges the concerned parties to acknowledge Vietnam’s sovereignty, adhere to international law, and work towards maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.”
On April 26, Chinese state media CCTV reported that China’s coast guard had landed at Sandy Cay as part of efforts to assert Beijing’s territorial claims. A day later, Philippine coast guards and police visited the area and raised their own flag after finding no personnel present.
Vietnam’s diplomatic responses reflect its nuanced approach to managing tensions in the South China Sea — using a mix of balancing, bandwagoning, and strategic neutrality. Despite its protest, Vietnam continues maritime engagements with both China and the Philippines.
In April 2025, Vietnam and China conducted their 29th joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin, which included maritime search and rescue drills and observation of fishing activities. Chinese media described it as a model for regional maritime cooperation.
Meanwhile, Vietnam also strengthened ties with the Philippines. In August 2024, the two nations’ coast guards held their first joint firefighting and search-and-rescue exercises off the coast of Manila. The drills highlighted the humanitarian focus of their maritime cooperation.
During that time, Vietnamese Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang met Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in Manila, where both sides signed letters of intent to enhance cooperation in disaster response and military medicine. The defence leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peacefully resolving disputes in accordance with international law.
Vietnam has also moved to solidify its legal claims. In February 2025, Hanoi declared a new baseline defining its territorial waters in the Gulf of Tonkin. In response, China conducted live-fire drills in the region — a clear indication of Beijing’s disapproval of Vietnam’s sovereignty assertions.
As tensions in the South China Sea persist, Vietnam’s growing assertiveness and diplomatic balancing highlight its evolving strategy to safeguard national interests in the region.