India, April 28 -- The Philippine military on Sunday hit back at China by planting a flag at the disputed Sandy Cay reef days after Beijing had conducted a similar operation, the Philippine News Agency reported. Beijing's coast guard had said that it 'dealt with' a situation involving six Filipinos who it accused of illegally landing on the reef. China claims that the sandbank had recently come under its control.

On Sunday, the National Operational-Tactical Group West Philippine Sea carried out an interagency maritime operation, the Philippine News Agency added. The report further stated that the operation was aimed at 'strengthening the regular and lawful exercise of the Philippines' sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the waters of ...