China and Philippines defend their rights over the disputed reef.

• Manila accuses Beijing of “intimidating and harassing” with a state media report suggesting the area has been seized.

• The Sandy Cay reef, near Thitu Island, is where the Philippines maintains a coast guard monitoring base.

• Chinese state broadcaster CCTV claims the coast guard “implemented maritime control” over Tiexian Reef in mid-April.

• Manila’s National Security Council spokesman, Jonathan Malaya, denies the claim.

• Beijing’s foreign ministry reiterates the reef is part of China’s territory.