MANILA, April 28 -- Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday condemned China's latest activities around Sandy Cay, asserting the area is part of Philippine territory and no Chinese provocation will change that.

Romualdez made the statement after Chinese personnel reportedly raised a flag and conducted inspection activities on Sandy Cay, a sandbar located near Pag-asa Island and within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Romualdez criticized the actions as "desperate and cheap stunts" designed to mislead and bolster illegitimate claims.

"I strongly denounce the latest actions of the China Coast Guard in and around Sandy Cay, an area well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and unquestionably part of Philippine sovereig...