Chinese coastguard officers have seized a strip of land in the South China Sea in a major escalation of a territorial dispute with the Philippines.
State broadcaster CCTV released images showing four officers in black uniforms holding the Chinese flag whilst standing on Sandy Cay in the Spratly Islands.
The channel reported that China had "implemented maritime control and exercised sovereign jurisdiction" on the reef earlier this month.
Sandy Cay is located near a Philippine military outpost on Thitu Island - which Manila reportedly uses to monitor Chinese movements in the area.
State broadcaster CCTV released images showing four officers in black uniforms holding the Chinese flag
CCTV
The sandbank measures just 200 square metres in size, while there is no indication that China is permanently occupying the land.
But its seizure comes amid escalating tensions between China and the Philippines, with previous incidents including vessel collisions and scuffles over disputed territories in the region.
The White House has described reports of China seizing the reef as "deeply concerning if true".
James Hewitt, US National Security Council spokesman, warned that "actions like these threaten regional stability and violate international law".
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The Chinese move has heightened concerns about Beijing's territorial claims in other countries' waters
GETTY
He added that the White House was "consulting closely with our own partners" about the situation.
The Chinese move has heightened concerns about Beijing's territorial claims in other countries' waters.
And the seizure comes as the US and Philippines conduct joint annual war scenario drills, known as the Balikatan exercises, which China has claimed are "provocative".
Around 17,000 personnel are participating in the exercises in the coming days.
US Marine Air Defence Integrated System missiles were fired off the northern Philippines coast on Sunday, marking the system's second live fire test and first deployment to the Philippines.
Tensions in the South China Sea have ratcheted up in recent years thanks to China's territorial claims
REUTERSThe drills will also feature the US anti-ship missile system NMESIS.
Philippine military officials maintain the exercises are for national defence and not directed at any specific country.
Tensions in the South China Sea have ratcheted up in recent years - with China claiming the largest portion of territory through its so-called "nine-dash line", which extends hundreds of miles south and east from its southerly province of Hainan.
Beijing has reinforced its expansive claims with island-building activities and naval patrols.
Several nations contest these claims, with Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei all staking claims to islands and various zones in the sea.
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