Spratly Islands dispute / 南沙爭端 I
The Spratly Islands dispute is a territorial dispute over the ownership of the Spratly Islands, a group of islands located in the South China Sea. States staking claims to various islands are: the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei. All except Brunei occupy some of the islands.
The Spratly Islands are important for a number of reasons: the Spratly area holds significant reserves of oil and natural gas, it is a productive area for world fishing and commercial shipping, and coastal countries would get an extended continental shelf. But some countries, like the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China, and Vietnam make claims based on historical sovereignty over the islands.
Contents
[hide]
1 Reasons for the dispute
1.1 Hydrocarbons
1.2 Commercial fishing
1.3 Commercial shipping
1.4 Confrontations and other incidences
1.5 Extended continental shelf claims
2 Moves towards resolution
2.1 Diplomatic moves
2.2 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea 2002
2.3 United States intervention
3 Various claims
3.1 Brunei
3.1.1 Basis of Brunei's claim
3.2 Malaysia
3.2.1 Basis of Malaysia's claim
3.3 People's Republic of China and Republic of China (Taiwan)
3.3.1 Basis for PRC's and ROC's claims
3.3.2 Criticisms to the PRC's and ROC's claims
3.4 Philippines
3.5 Vietnam
4 Tabular listing of features showing country possessions
4.1 Occupied features
4.2 Virtually occupied or controlled
4.3 Unoccupied features
4.4 Claimed features by country but occupied by other country
5 20th century timeline
6 See also
7 References
8 Further reading
9 External links
[edit] Reasons for the dispute
[edit] Hydrocarbons
There are multiple reasons why the neighboring nations would be interested in the Spratly Islands. In 1968 oil was discovered in the region. The Geology and Mineral Resources Ministry of the People's Republic of China (PRC) has estimated that the Spratly area holds oil and natural gas reserves of 17.7 billion tons (1.60 × 1010 kg), as compared to the 13 billion tons (1.17 × 1010 kg) held by Kuwait, placing it as the fourth largest reserve bed in the world. These large reserves assisted in intensifying the situation and propelled the territorial claims of the neighboring countries.
In 1968, the Philippines started to take their claims more seriously and stationed troops on three islands which had been claimed by the adventurer Tomas Cloma as part of Freedomland.[1] In 1973 Vietnamese troops were stationed on five islands.[2]
On 11 March 1976, the first major Philippine oil discovery occurred off the coast of Palawan, within the Spratly Islands territory, and these oil fields now account for fifteen percent of all petroleum consumed in the Philippines. In 1992, the PRC and Vietnam granted oil exploration contracts to U.S. oil companies that covered overlapping areas in the Spratlys. In May 1992, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) and Crestone Energy (a U.S. company based in Denver, Colorado) signed a cooperation contract for the joint exploration of the Wan'an Bei-21 block, a 25,155 km² section of the southwestern South China Sea that includes Spratly Island areas. Part of the Crestone's contract covered Vietnam's blocks 133 and 134, where PetroVietnam, PetroStar Energy(USA) and ConocoPhillips Vietnam Exploration & Production, a unit of ConocoPhillips, agreed to evaluate prospects in April 1992. This led to a confrontation between China and Vietnam, with each demanding that the other cancel its contract.
[edit] Commercial fishing
An additional motive is the region's role as one of the world's most productive areas for commercial fishing. In 1988, for example, the South China Sea accounted for eight percent of the total world catch, a figure which has certainly risen. The PRC has predicted that the South China Sea holds combined fishing and oil and gas resources worth one trillion dollars. There have already been numerous clashes between the PRC, the Philippines and other nations over "foreign" fishing vessels in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the media regularly report the arrest of Chinese fishermen. In 1984, Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone encompassing Louisa Reef in the southeastern Spratly Islands.[3]
[edit] Commercial shipping
The region is also one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. During the 1980s, at least two hundred and seventy ships passed through the Spratly Islands region each day, and currently more than half of the world's supertanker traffic, by tonnage, passes through the region's waters every year. Tanker traffic through the South China Sea is over three times greater than through the Suez Canal and five times more than through the Panama Canal; twenty five percent of the world's crude oil passes through the South China Sea.
[edit] Confrontations and other incidences
There have been occasional naval clashes over the Spratly Islands. In 1988, China and Vietnam clashed at sea over possession of Johnson Reef in the Spratlys. Chinese gunboats sank Vietnamese transport ships supporting a landing party of Vietnamese soldiers. 64 Vietnamese soldiers were killed. [4]
On May 23, 2011, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III warned the Chinese defense minister of a possible arms race in the region if tensions worsened over disputes in the South China Sea. Aquino said he told visiting Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie in their meeting that such an arms race could result if there were more encounters in the disputed and potentially oil-rich Spratly islands. The Philippines warned China that it might increase its military capabilities. [5]
[edit] Extended continental shelf claims
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) procedure for countries with coastlines to submit claims for their continental shelf to be extended beyond 200 nautical miles of their shores brought the spotlight back to the South China Sea and Spratly Islands in May 2009.[6] Two such submissions were made - one by Vietnam for a claim over the northern portion of the sea which included the Paracel Islands, and another jointly by Vietnam and Malaysia for a joint claim over a "defined area" in the middle of the sea between the two countries which included part of the Spratly Islands. Brunei, a potential claimant, has not submitted such a claim but had provided preliminary information to the United Nations notifying it of its intention to claim a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from its shores.[7]
China immediately issued protests over the two submissions and called on the United Nations not to consider them. It also issued a stern warning to countries not to claim the islands which it said were its sovereign territory.[8]
[edit] Moves towards resolution
[edit] Diplomatic moves
Vietnamese troops on Spratly Island
Following a 1995 dispute between China and the Philippines, an ASEAN-brokered agreement was reached between the PRC and ASEAN member nations whereby one country would inform the other of any military movement within the disputed territory and that there would be no further construction. The agreement was promptly violated by China and Malaysia. Claiming storm damage, seven Chinese naval vessels entered the area to repair "fishing shelters" in Panganiban Reef. Malaysia erected a structure on Investigator Shoal and landed at Rizal Reef. In response the Philippines lodged formal protests, demanded the removal of the structures, increased naval patrols in Kalayaan and issued invitations to American politicians to inspect the PRC bases by plane. The Philippine senate also debates to send troops and navy forces to attempt the invasion in the islands.
In the early 21st century, the situation is improving. China recently held talks with ASEAN countries aimed at realizing a proposal for a free trade area between the ten countries involved. China and ASEAN have also been engaged in talks to create a code of conduct aimed at easing tensions in the disputed islands. On 5 March 2002, an agreement was reached, setting forth the desire of the claimant nations to resolve the problem of sovereignty "without further use of force"[citation needed]. In November 2002, a Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea was signed, easing tensions but falling short of a legally binding code of conduct.
[edit] Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea 2002
This declaration[9] was signed by the 10 foreign ministers of ASEAN countries and China on 4 November 2002 in Phnom Penh where the signatory countries pledged to resolve their sovereignty disputes in a peaceful manner, without resorting to the use of force and through direct negotiations among the countries concerned. The parties also undertook to exercise self-restraint with activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, including refraining from inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features.
In the interim, the parties pledged to carry out confidence building measures, such as by holding dialogues and exchange of views as appropriate between their defense and military officials; ensuring just and humane treatment of all persons who are in danger or distress; notifying on a voluntary basis other Parties concerned of any impending joint/combined military exercise; and exchanging, on a voluntary basis, relevant information.
The Parties may also explore or undertake cooperative activities such as marine environmental protection; marine scientific research; safety of navigation and communication at sea; search and rescue operation; and combating transnational crime, including but not limited to trafficking in illicit drugs, piracy and armed robbery at sea, and illegal traffic in arms.
[edit] United States intervention
United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced on July 23, 2010 in Vietnam that the U.S. had a "national interest in... respect for international law in the South China Sea" and supported a regional solution to the dispute. This was seen as a victory for Vietnam,[10] because Vietnam had been seeking to negotiate the status of the Paracels multilaterally through forums like ASEAN, while China prefers bilateral negotiations.[11] "Small country" claimants such the Philippines were "secretly pleased... to have a friend in court", i.e. the United States, an opinion in the The Manila Times claimed, despite the Philippine Government criticizing the intervention.[12] Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi said that Vietnam's invitation to the United States to mediate was "an attack on China".[13]
[edit] Various claims
Map of various countries occupying the Spratly Islands
[edit] Brunei
This section requires expansion.
Brunei claims the part of the South China Seas nearest to it as part of its continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In 1984, Brunei declared an EEZ encompassing the above-water islets it claims in Louisa Reef.[3][14] Brunei does not practice military control in the area.
[edit] Basis of Brunei's claim
Brunei's claims to the reef are based on the Law of the Sea.[15] It states that the southern part of the Spratly Chain is actually a part of its continental shelf and therefore a part of its territory and resources.[16]
[edit] Malaysia
This section requires expansion.
Malaysia has militarily occupied three islands that it considers to be within its continental shelf. Swallow Reef (Layang Layang) has been turned into an island through land reclamation and hosts a dive resort.
The Malaysian military currently occupies Ardasier Reef (Terumbu Ubi), Mariveles Reef (Terumbu Mantanani) and Swallow Reef (Terumbu Layang or Pulau Layang Layang).[14]
[edit] Basis of Malaysia's claim
This section requires expansion.
Malaysia's claims are based upon the continental shelf principle, and have clearly defined coordinates.[14]
[edit] People's Republic of China and Republic of China (Taiwan)
The People's Republic of China (PRC) claim all of the Spratly Islands as part of China and had a historical naval presence. Recently, they have had a profound military impact on the area.
Map of the South China Sea Islands, by Ministry of the Interior, ROC, 1947.
The Republic of China (ROC), which ruled mainland China before 1949 and has been confined to Taiwan since 1949, also claims all of the Spratly Islands. The ROC occupies Itu Aba, the largest island.
From 1932 to 1935, the ROC continued to include the territory in its administrative area through the Map Compilation Committee. When France claimed nine islands of the territory in 1933, it immediately encountered a revolt from Chinese fishermen and a protest from the Republic of China government in Nanking. Although China continued to claim the islands, the Second Sino-Japanese war drew its attention for the meantime from 1937 onwards. After the second world war, China reclaimed sovereignty over the islands through post World War II arrangements based on various treaties of the Allied Powers[17] and China built a stone marker on the island.
In 1947, the ROC government renamed 159 islands in the area and published the Map of the South China Sea Islands. The ROC was the first government to establish a physical presence in the Spratley Islands. It has occupied Itu Aba Island, the largest island in the Spratleys, constantly since 1956.[18]
In 1958, North Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Văn Đồng sent a formal note to Zhou Enlai.
In 1958, the People's Republic of China, having taken over mainland China and having left the Republic of China with control over Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, and some outlying islands, issued a declaration of a 12 nautical mile limit territorial waters that encompassed the Spratly Islands. North Vietnam's prime minister, Phạm Văn Đồng, sent a formal note to PRC's Premier Zhou Enlai to recognize these claims; and stated that the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) respects the decision on the 12 nautical mile limit territorial waters, although South Vietnam continued to claim sovereignty over the islands.
Today, the People's Liberation Army and the Republic of China Armed Forces are both stationed in several islands, including the largest, Taiping Island.
[edit] Basis for PRC's and ROC's claims
The PRC and ROC base their claims on the belief that the islands have been an integral part of China for nearly two thousand years and that neighboring countries and European Powers took advantage of China's poor condition and diversity to impinge on its sovereignty.
China claims to have discovered the islands in the Han Dynasty in 2 BC. The islands were claimed to have been marked on maps compiled during the time of Eastern Han Dynasty and Eastern Wu (one of the Three Kingdoms). Since the Yuan Dynasty in the 12th century, several islands that may be the Spratlys have been labeled as Chinese territory,[19] followed by the Ming Dynasty[20] and the Qing Dynasty from the 13th to 19th Century.[21] In 1755,[22][23] archaeological surveys the remains of Chinese pottery and coins have been found in the islands and are cited as proof for the PRC claim.[24]
In addition, the PRC's military presence ensures a tangible claim to other potential challengers of sovereignty over at least those inhabited areas.
[edit] Criticisms to the PRC's and ROC's claims
Surveying an area without establishing a civilization there or a military garrison does not hold the same political weight as staking an official claim. However, the PRC's claim to the Spratly Islands is grounded in the philosophy that since they were present there first they rightly have sovereignty.
Many of these claims to sovereignty come directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. There is also doubt as to whether these sources state a claim of sovereignty or simply mention the Spratlys alongside other foreign lands.
Claims of pottery being found are mostly shipwrecked treasure from Chinese galleons that sailed through the area and did not necessarily come from anyone who inhabited or even visited the islands.[24]
[edit] Philippines
The Philippines base their claims of sovereignty over the Spratlys on the issues of Res nullius and geography. The Philippines contend their claim was Res nullius as there was no effective sovereignty over the islands until the 1930s when France and then Japan acquired the islands. When Japan renounced their sovereignty over the islands according to the San Francisco Treaty, there was a relinquishment of the right to the islands without any special beneficiary. Therefore, argue the Philippines, the islands became Res nullius and available for annexation.
This is an anachronistic claim however, because the Philippines did not register these claims until the 1970s. In 1956, a private Filipino citizen, Tomas Cloma, unilaterally declared a state on 53 features in the South China Sea, calling it "Freedomland". As the Republic of China moved to occupy the main island in response, Cloma sold his claim to the Philippine government, which annexed (de jure) the islands in 1978, calling them Kalayaan.
The Philippine claim to Kalayaan on a geographical basis can be summarized using the assertion that Kalayaan is distinct from other island groups in the South China Sea, because of the size of the biggest island in the Kalayaan group.[25] A second argument used by the Philippines regarding their geographical claim over the Spratlys is that all the islands claimed by the Philippines lie within its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone according to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This argument still requires that the islands were res nullius, though.[26] The Philippines also argue, under maritime law that the People's Republic of China can not extend its baseline claims to the Spratlys because the PRC is not an archipelagic state.
[edit] Vietnam
Vietnam's response to China's claim is that Chinese records on Qianli Changsha and Wanli Shitang are in fact records about non-Chinese territories.[27] For example, Qianli Changsha and Wanli Shitang were referred to in the ancient Chinese texts Ling Wai Dai Da [28] and Zhu Fan Zhi [29] as being in the Sea of Jiaozhi, Jiaozhi being the old name for a Chinese province in modern day northern Vietnam (Giao Chỉ), or as writings on foreign countries.
Vietnam's view is that the Chinese records do not constitute the declaration and exercise of sovereignty and that China did not declare sovereignty over the Spratlys until after World War II.
On the other hand, Vietnam claims the Spratlys based on international law on declaring and exercising sovereignty.
A western map depicting the islands as Vietnamese territory.
Vietnamese claims that it has occupied the Spratley and the Paracel islands at least since the 17th century, when they were not under the sovereignty of any state, and that they exercised sovereignty over the two archipelagos continuously and peacefully until they were invaded by Chinese armed forces.[30] In Phủ Biên Tạp Lục (Miscellaneous Records of Pacification in the Border Area) by the scholar Lê Quý Đôn, Hoàng Sa (Paracel Islands), and Trường Sa (Spratly Islands) were defined as belonging to Quảng Ngãi District. In Đại Nam Nhất Thống Toàn Đồ (Dai Nam Unified Map), an atlas of Vietnam completed in 1838, Trường Sa was shown as Vietnamese territory.[citation needed] Vietnam had conducted many geographical and resource surveys of the islands.[citation needed] The results of these surveys have been recorded in Vietnamese literature and history published since the 17th century. After the treaty signed with the Nguyễn Dynasty, France represented Vietnam in international affairs and exercised sovereignty over the islands.[citation needed]
The Cairo Declaration, drafted by the Allies and China towards the end of World War II, listed the territories that the Allies intended to strip from Japan and return to China. Despite China being among the authors of the declaration, this list did not include the Spratlys.[citation needed] Vietnam's response to China's claim that the Cairo Declaration somehow recognized the latter's sovereignty over the Spratlys is that this claim has no basis in fact.
At the San Francisco Conference on the peace treaty with Japan, the Soviet Union proposed that the Paracels and Spratlys be recognized as belonging to China. This proposal was rejected by an overwhelming majority of the delegates. On July 7, 1951, Tran Van Huu, head of the Bảo Đại Government's delegation to the conference declared that the Paracels and Spratlys were part of Vietnamese territory. This declaration met with no challenge from the 51 representatives at the conference.[citation needed]
The text of the Treaty of San Francisco listed the Spratlys as not part of the list of territories to be returned to China.[31]
After the French left, the Vietnamese government exercised sovereignty over the islands.[dubious – discuss] Up to the end of the Vietnam War the army of the South Vietnamese still held military control over the majority of the Spratly islands. After the Vietnam War, the unified Vietnam SRV (Socialist Republic of Vietnam) continued to claim the Spratly islands as an integral part of Vietnam, accordingly the Phan Van Dong DRV notice to the PRC in 1958 had not ceded the ROV and consequently the SRV claims, hence that Notice became of no effect on the ROV/SRV rights.
Vietnam currently occupies 31 islands. They are organized as a district of Khanh Hoa Province. At the 12th National Assembly Election held early in Trường Sa, the people and soldiers also voted for their local district government for the first time. For the first time, Trường Sa is organized like a normal inland district, with a townlet (thị trấn Trường Sa) and two communes (xã Sinh Tồn, xã Song Tử Tây). Forty nine people were elected to the communes' people's councils.
[edit] Tabular listing of features showing country possessions
[edit] Occupied features
A feature is occupied by a country if one of the following is true:
Soldiers and/or civilian citizens of a country are present in the feature, either by building structures over the feature to house the citizens (most features are of this type) or by manning a ship anchored over the feature (Philippine-occupied Irving Reef is of this type).
Regularly visited by soldiers of a country, not necessarily having soldiers present in it 24 hours. These features must lie near (within 9 miles (14 km)) a feature occupied by the country in the way of the first condition. Presence of structures is not necessary. This is the case of Philippine-occupied Flat Island and Lankiam Cay where soldiers stationed at Nanshan Island and Loaita Island respectively, regularly visit on a daily basis.
The effective visible distance of horizon from a 15 meter (typical large structure) height above sea-level is 9 miles (14 km). This makes features occupied by the second condition to be also labeled as "occupied" since they can be guarded far away. However not all features within the 9-mile (14 km) radius can be considered as absolutely occupied. This is especially true for features that lie between and within 9 miles (14 km) of two or more features occupied by different countries. (See Virtually Occupied or Controlled table)
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Itu Aba Island[14][32] 太平島 Taiping Dao The largest of the Spratly islands. Located about 22 miles (35 km) south-southwest of Philippine-occupied Loiata (Kota) Island and about 6 miles (10 km) west of Vietnam-occupied Sand Cay. Covered with shrubs, coconut and mangroves. 600 soldiers stationed, lighthouse, radio and weather stations, concrete landing jetty and two wells at the SW end. Guano deposits, fringing reef. Hainan fishermen used to visit annually. In 8/93, plans were announced for a 2 km-long airstrip[33] and a fishing port. The now only 1150-meters-long airstrip was completed in January 2008.[34] Pineapple was once cultivated here. Occupied since September 1956, four months after Filipino Tomas Cloma claimed the islands. Part of Tizard Banks. 46
Ligaw[35]
Đảo Ba Bình
Ban Than Reef[32] 中洲礁 Jhongjhou Jiao Lies 3 miles (5 km) east of Itu-Aba Island and 3 miles (5 km) west of Vietnamese occupied Sand Cay. Small drying reef. Occupied since 1995. Part of Tizard Banks. 0
Bãi Bàn Than
Total 1 island, 1 reef 46
People's Republic of China
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Cuarteron Reef[14][32] 华阳礁 Huayang Jiao Coral rocks only. Highest are 1.5 m high, on the north. Occupied by PRC since 1988. As of 2011, has permanent reef fortresses and supply platforms able to resist winds up to 71 knots and equipped with VHF / UHF communications equipment, search radars as well as naval guns and anti-aircraft guns, which can serve as docks for Chinese navy patrol boats.[36] Part of London Reefs. 0
Calderon
Bãi /Đá Châu Viên
Fiery Cross Reef/ Northwest Investigator Reef[14][32] 永暑礁 Yongshu Jiao Rocks up to 1 m high. All below at high tide, but has guano deposits. Occupied by PRC since 1988. "Marine observation station" built by PRC in 1988; PRC built a navy harbor by blasting, piling up and cementing coral; coconut, fir, and banyan trees planted. As of 2011, designated the PRC main command headquarters; equipped with satellite data transmission, surface and air search radars; armed with at least four high-powered naval guns and several gun emplacements.[36] Actually 3 reefs. 0
Kagitingan
Đá Chữ Thập
Gaven Reefs[14][32] 南薰礁 Nanxun Jiao (Northern reef) / Xinan or Duolu Jiao (S. reef) A sand dune, 2 m high. Has fringing reef plus a reef 2 miles (3 km) to the south, both covered at high tide, all cement and a raised metal frame with two-story buildings placed on top. Southern reef was occupied by PRC on 7/4/92. Occupied since 1988. As of 2011, has permanent reef fortresses and supply platforms able to resist winds up to 71 knots and equipped with VHF / UHF communications equipment, search radars as well as naval guns and anti-aircraft guns, which can serve as docks for Chinese navy patrol boats.[36] Part of Tizard Banks. 0
Burgos
Đá Ga Ven
Hughes Reef[14] 东门礁 Dongmen Jiao Lies 9 miles (14 km) to the east of Sin Cowe Island. Naturally above water at least at low tide. Occupied since 1988. Part of Union Banks. 0
Johnson South Reef[14][32] 赤瓜礁 Chigua Jiao Contiguous with Vietnam-occupied Collins Reef which lies 4 miles (6 km) away northwest. Naturally above water only at low tide, but many rocks above water at high tide. Site of 1988 PRC/Vietnam clash. Occupied since 1988. As of 2011, has permanent reef fortresses and supply platforms able to resist winds up to 71 knots and equipped with VHF / UHF communications equipment, search radars as well as naval guns and anti-aircraft guns, which can serve as docks for Chinese navy patrol boats.[36] Part of Union Banks. 0
Mabini
Đá Gạc Ma
Mischief Reef[14][32] 美济礁 Meiji Jiao Some rocks above water at low tide. Has a lagoon. In February 1995, PRC had built a wooden complex on stilts here, starting its formal occupation of the feature. In 1999, the Philippines protested over this structures claiming that it is a military outpost and it poses danger to Philippine security and national defense, being 130 miles (209 km) from Palawan. PRC claims it is a shelter for fishermen. As of 2011, the "shelters" were equipped with satellite communications and radars and Panganiban Reef has four building complexes with 13 multi-storey buildings. Fifty Chinese Marines are permanently stationed there. PRC has undertaken several lagoon construction activities at Panganiban Reef, suitable for establishing pre-positioned bases in the South China Sea, enabling Beijing to project its influence and power in the disputed islands.[36] 0
Panganiban[35]
Đá Vành Khăn
Subi Reef[14][32] 渚碧礁 Zhubi Dao Lies 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island (Pagasa Island). Naturally above water only at low tide. Surrounds a lagoon. As of 2011, PRC has built a permanent reef fortress and supply platform that can house 160 troops. This garrison has a helipad and is armed with four twin barrel 37-millimeter naval guns.[36] 0
Zamora
Đá Su Bi
First Thomas Reef 信义礁 Xinyi Jiao
信義暗沙 Xinyi Ansha
A few rocks are permanently above sea level. Much of the reef is above water at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. 0
Bulig[35]
Bãi Suối Ngà
Whitson Reef[32] 牛轭礁 Niu'e Jiao Some rocks naturally above water at high tide. Part of Union Banks. 0
Đá Ba Đầu
Total 9 reefs 0
Republic of the Philippines
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Flat Island[14][32] Patag[35] The fourteenth largest Spratly island. About 6 miles (10 km) southwest of Philippine-occupied Lawak Island (Nanshan Island). It changes its shape seasonally. The sand build up will depend largely on the direction of prevailing wind and waves. It takes the shape of an elongated one for some years now and a shape like that of a crescent moon for few years ago and it formed the shape of a letter "S" in the past. Like Panata Island (Lankiam Cay), it is also barren of any vegetation. No underground water source is found in the island. Presently, this island serves only as a military observation post for the Municipality of Kalayaan. A low, flat, sandy cay, 240 by 90 m, subject to erosion. Has a nearby reef which is above water at high tide. With large guano deposits. No vegetation. Several soldiers stationed. 0.57
费信岛
費信島
Feixin Dao
Đảo Bình Nguyên
Lankiam Cay[14][32] Panata[35] The fifteenth largest and the smallest Spratly island. Located 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Philippine-occupied Kota Island (Lankiam Cay). A few years ago this island has a surface area of more than 5 hectares but strong waves brought by a strong typhoon washed out the sandy surface (beach) of the island leaving behind today the calcarenite foundation that can be seen at low tide. Several soldiers stationed. Part of Loaita Banks. 0.44
杨信沙洲
楊信沙洲
Yangxin Shazhou
Cồn San Hô Lan Can
Loaita Island[14][32] Kota[35] The tenth largest Spratly island. Located 22 miles (35 km) southeast of Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) and 22 miles (35 km) north-northeast of the ROC-occupied Itu Aba Island. It fringes the Laoita bank and reef. Its calcarenite outcrop is visible along its western side at low tide. The present shape of the island indicates sand buildup along its eastern side. The anchor-shaped side will eventually connect with the northern portion as the sand buildup continues thereby creating another mini-lagoon in the process. The presence of migrating sea birds adds to the high phosphorus contents of the sand found in the island. Occasionally, giant sea turtles are reported to be laying their eggs in the island. Covered with mangrove bushes, above which rose coconut palms and other small trees. Several soldiers stationed. Occupied since 1968. Part of Loaita Banks. 6.45
南钥岛
南鑰島
Nanyue Dao
Đảo Loại Ta
Nanshan Island[14][32] Lawak[35] The eighth largest Spratly island. Located 98.0 miles (157.7 km) east of Pag-asa (Thitu Island). This island is a bird sanctuary. Its surroundings are highly phosphatized that superphosphate materials can be mined out on a small-scale basis. Near the fringes of the breakwaters (approx. 2 miles (3 km) from the island), intact hard coral reefs were observed to retain their natural environment and beautiful tropical fishes were seen colonizing these coral beds of varying colors. Covered with coconut trees, bushes and grass. 580 m long, on the edge of a submerged reef. Several soldiers stationed. Has a small airstrip. 7.93
马欢岛
馬歡島
Mahuan Dao
Đảo Vĩnh Viễn
Northeast Cay[14][32] Parola[35] The fifth largest Spratly island. Only 1.75 miles (2.82 km) north of Vietnamese-occupied Southwest Cay and can be seen before the horizon. Located 28 miles (45 km) northwest of Philippine-occupied Pag-asa (Thitu Island). Some of its outcrops are visible on its western side. It has high salinity groundwater and vegetation limited to beach type of plants. The corals around the island were mostly destroyed by rampant use of dynamite fishing and cyanide method employed by foreign fishing boats in the past. Covered with grass and thick trees. Much of the ringing reef is above water at high tide. Supported a beacon in 1984. Has Guano deposits. Several soldiers stationed. Satellite photography suggests it may have an airstrip.[37] Occupied since 1968. Part of North Danger Reef. 12.7
北子岛 Beizi Dao
北子礁 Beizi Jiao
Đảo Song Tử Đông
Thitu Island[14][32] Pag-asa[35] The second largest Spratly island. Serves as the poblacion for the Municipality of Kalayaan, Palawan, Phils. It is covered with trees and has a variety of fauna. It is home to some 300+ civilians (including children) and over 50 soldiers. Other islands are expected to be populated before 2010. Population is regulated to protect the islands' flora and fauna and to avoid tension with other countries. It has 1.4 km airstrip, a marina, water filtering plant, power generator and a commercial communications tower (by Smart Communications). The Philippines' Department of Tourism is making improvements to the island to make it profitable. Occupied since 1968. Part of Thitu Reefs. 37.2
中业岛
中業島
Zhongye Dao
Đảo Thị Tứ
West York Island[14][32] Likas[35] The third largest Spratly island. This island is located 47 miles (76 km) northeast of Pag-asa (Thitu Island). Outcrops are visible on the southern and eastern portion of the island during low tides. This island is considered a sanctuary for giant sea turtles that lay their eggs on the island all year round. The high salinity of the ground water in the island retards the growth of introduced trees like coconuts, ipil-ipil, and other types. Only those endemic to the area that are mostly beach type of plants thrive and survive the hot and humid condition especially during the dry season. Has an observation post. Several soldiers stationed. 18.6
西月岛
西月島
Xiyue Dao
Đảo Bến Lạc, Đảo Dừa
Commodore Reef[14][32] Rizal[35] A sand "cay", 0.5 m high, surrounded by two lagoons. Parts of reef above water at high tide. It is a typical reef lying underwater and is now being manned by a military contingent based and established in the area. Some structures. Several soldiers stationed. Occupied since 1978. 0
司令礁
司令礁
Siling Jiao
Đá Công Đo
Terumbu Laksamana
Irving Reef[32] Balagtas Naturally above water only at low tide. A very small cay lies at northern end. Some structures. Several soldiers stationed. 0
火艾礁
火艾礁
Huo'ai Jiao
Đảo Cá Nhám
Second Thomas Reef[38] Ayungin[35] A shallow reef. It is close to Chinese-occupied Mischief Reef. It was occupied by the Philippines in 1999, after the 1995 controversial Chinese occupation of Mischief Reef, to put pressure on China not to occupy any features further which lie near the Philippines. 0
仁爱礁 Ren'ai Jiao
仁愛暗沙 Ren'ai Ansha
Total 7 islands, 3 reefs 83.89
Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Amboyna Cay[14][32] Datu Kalantiaw[35] The thirteenth largest Spratly island. Two parts: East part consists of sand and coral, west part is covered with guano. Has fringing reef. An obelisk, about 2.7 m high, stands on the SW corner. Little vegetation. Lighthouse operational since May 1995. Heavily fortified. 1.6
安波沙洲 Anbo Shazhou
Đảo An Bang
Pulau Amboyna Kecil
Namyit Island[14][32] Binago[35] The twelfth largest Spratly island. Covered with small trees, bushes and grass. Has a fringing reef and is inhabited by sea birds. The island is inhabited by an unknown number of Vietnamese soldiers and in the deep waters fronting the south side it is said that a submarine base is situated.[citation needed] Occupied since 1975.Part of Tizard Banks. 5.3
鸿庥岛 Hongxiu Dao
Đảo Nam Yết
Sand Cay[14][32] Bailan The ninth largest Spratly island. Lies 6 miles (10 km) to the east of Taiwan-occupied Itu Aba Island. Covered with trees and bushes. Fringing reef partly above water at low tide. This feature is commonly confused with Sandy Cay. Occupied since 1974. Part of Tizard Banks. 7
敦谦沙洲 Dunqian Shazhou
Đảo /Đá Sơn Ca
Sin Cowe Island[14][32] Rurok[35] The seventh largest. Has fringing reef which is above water at low tide. Occupied since 1974. Part of Union Banks. 8
景宏岛 Jinghong Dao
Đảo Sinh Tồn
Southwest Cay[14][32] Pugad The sixth largest Spratly island. Only 1.75 miles (2.82 km) from Northeast Cay and can be seen before the horizon. Previously a breeding place for birds and covered with trees and guano. Export of guano was once carried out "on a considerable scale." Fringing reef partly above water at high tide. Vietnam erected its first lighthouse in the Spratlys here in October 1993 and built an airstrip. Has a three-story building, garrisoned by soldiers. Philippine military controlled the island before early 1970s. South Vietnamese forces (Republic of Vietnam) invaded the island in 1975, when Filipino soldiers guarding the island attended the birthday party of their commanding officer based in the nearby Northeast Cay. A confirmed report came out that Vietnamese prostitutes were sent by Vietnamese officials to the birthday party, supposedly a sign of good brotherhood between the forces, but was actually used to lure the Filipino soldiers guarding the island. Filipino forces apparently planned on attacking the island, thus it would have led to a war, but Vietnamese forces were able to erect a huge garrison in the island within few weeks, forcing Filipino officials to abort the plan. Since then, more soldiers were assigned to Parola Island (North East Cay), to avoid it from happening again. This was confirmed by interviews with soldiers involved in an episode of the defunct ABS-CBN's Magandang Gabi Bayan (Good Evening Nation) program. See Policies, activities and history of the Philippines in Spratly Islands#Southwest Cay invasion for more details. Part of North Danger Reef. 12
南子岛 Nanzi Dao
南子礁 Nanzi Jiao
Đảo Song Tử Tây
Spratly Island (proper)/ Storm Island[14][32] Lagos The fourth largest Spratly island. 2.5 m high, flat. Covered with bushes, grass, birds and guano. 5.5 m-high obelisk at southern tip. Has landing strip, and a fishing port. Fringing reef is above water at low tide. Some structures with soldiers stationed. Occupied since 1974. 13
南威岛 Nanwei Dao
Đảo Trường Sa
Alison Reef[14][32] De Jesus[35] Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. 0
六门礁 Liumen Jiao
Bãi Tốc Tan
Barque Canada Reef/ Lizzie Weber Reef[14][32] (Barque Canada Reef) Magsaysay Coral. Highest rocks are 4.5 m high, at SW end. Much of reef is above water at high tide. Some sandy patches. 18 miles (29 km) long. Its military structures were recently upgraded. Occupied since 1987. 0
(Lizzie Weber Reef) Mascarado
柏礁 Bai Jiao
Bãi Thuyền Chài
Terumbu Perahu
Central London Reef[14][32] Gitnang Quezon[35] SW part is a sandbank which barely submerges at high tide. The rest is coral reef, awash, surrounding a lagoon. Occupied since 1978. Part of London Reefs. 0
中礁 Zhong Jiao
Đảo Trường Sa Đông
Collins Reef/ Johnson North Reef[32] Roxas Lies 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Vietnam-occupied Sin Cowe Island. Connected to Johnson South Reef. A "coral dune" is located at the southeast corner, above the high tide line. Part of Union Banks. 0
鬼喊礁 Guihan Jiao
Đá Cô Lin
Cornwallis South Reef[14][32] Osmeña Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. Occupied since 1988. 0
南华礁 Nanhua Jiao
Đá Núi Le
Great Discovery Reef[14][32] Paredes Several rocks are above water at high tide. Most of reef is above water at low tide. Has lagoon. Occupied since 1988. 0
大现礁 Daxian Dao
Đá Lớn
East London Reef[14][32] Silangang Quezon[35] Rocks up to 1 m high. Encloses a lagoon. Occupied since 1988. Part of London Reefs. 0
东礁 Dong Jiao
Đá Đông
Grierson Reef[32] Julian Felipe A sand cay with fringing reef. Some references tell that there exist a Sin Cowe East Island. This island may be Grierson Reef. It was probably called Sin Cowe East Island because it is located to the east of Sin Cowe Island and that its sand bar is visible during low tides, making it an island. Due to convention that an island must always be visible even at highest tides, Grierson Reef is not considered as an island in this list. Its sand bar area is about 12 hectares. Part of Union Banks. 0
染青沙洲 Ranqing Shazhou
Higgens Reef[14] 屈原礁 Quyuan Jiao Lies 6 miles (10 km) southeast of Vietnam-occupied Sin Cowe Island. Only above water at low tide. Part of Union Banks. 0
Đá Hi Ghen, Đá Hi Gen
Ladd Reef[14] 日积礁 Riji Jiao Naturally above water at low tide. Has coral lagoon. Occupied since 1988. 0
Đá Lát
Lan(d)sdowne Reef[14][32] Pagkakaisa Sand dune, with fringing reef. Part of Union Banks. 0
琼礁 Qiong Jiao
Đá Len Đao
Pearson Reef[14][32] Hizon[35] Two sand "cays", 2 m and 1 m high, lie on the edges of a lagoon. Parts of the surrounding reef are above water at high tide. Occupied since 1988. 0
毕生礁 Bisheng Jiao
Đảo Phan Vinh
Petley Reef[14][32] Juan Luna Naturally above water only at low tide, some small rocks might stand above high water. Occupied since 1988. Part of Tizard Banks. 0
舶兰礁 Bolan Jiao
Đá Núi Thị
Pigeon Reef/ Tennent Reef[14][32] Lopez-Jaena Numerous rocks are naturally above the high tide line. Encloses a lagoon. Occupied since 1988. 0
无乜礁 Wumie Jiao
Đá Tiên Nữ
South Reef[14][32] Timog Lies about 2.5 miles (4 km) southwest of Vietnam-occupied Southwest Cay. A tiny cay appears atop this reef on the most detailed map available. On the southwest end of North Danger Reef. Fringing reef is above water at low tide. Occupied since 1988. Part of North Danger Reef. 0
奈罗礁 Nailuo Jiao
Đá Nam
West London Reef[14][32] Kanlurang Quezon[35] East part is sand "cay", 0.6 m high. West part is coral reef which is above water only at low tide. Between them is a lagoon. Vietnam erected a lighthouse here in May or June 1994. Part of London Reefs. 0
西礁 Xi Jiao
Đá Tây
Rifleman Bank (containing Bombay Castle)[32] 南薇滩 Nanwei Tan Shallowest natural depth is 3 m, called Bombay Castle. Sand and coral. Occupied since 1989. 0
Bãi Vũng Mây
Prince of Wales Bank 广雅滩 Guangya Tan Shallowest natural depth is 7 m. Has corals. Occupied since 1989. 0
Bãi Phúc Tần
Grainger Bank[32] 李准滩 Lizhun Tan Shallowest natural depth is either 9 m or 11 m. Occupied since 1991. 0
Bãi Quế Đường
Alexandra Bank 人骏滩 Renjun Tan Shallowest natural depth is 5 m. Occupied since 1991. 0
Bãi Phúc Tần
Prince Consort Bank[32] 西卫滩 Xiwei Tan Shallowest natural depth is 9 m. Occupied since 1990. 0
Bãi Phúc Nguyên
Vanguard Bank[32] 万安滩 Wan'an Tan Shallowest natural depth is 16 m. Vietnam has run three "economic technological service stations" in this area since July 1994. Occupied since 1989. 0
Bãi Tư Chính
Total 6 islands, 16 reefs, 6 banks 46.9
Malaysia
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Swallow Reef/ Island[14][32] Celerio The eleventh largest Spratly island. Treeless cay and rocks up to 3 m high surround a lagoon. Malaysia has drawn territorial seas around this and Amboyna Cay. Some 70 plus soldiers stationed here maintain a beacon. Has a fishing port and a 15-room diving resort, including a 1.5 km airstrip. Present land mass is reclaimed, making it the first artificial island in Spratly. Occupied since 1983. 6.2
Đá Hoa Lau
弹丸礁 Danwan Jiao
Terumbu Layang Layang
Ardasier Reef[14][32] Antonio Luna[35] Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. Has a few sandy patches. Several soldiers stationed. Occupied since 1986. 0
光星仔礁 Guangxingzai Jiao
Bãi Kiêu Ngựa
Terumbu Ubi
Dallas Reef[32] Rajah Matanda Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. Several soldiers stationed. Malaysia is also using this reef for tourism. 0
光星礁 Guangxing Jiao
Terumbu Laya
Erica Reef/ Enloa Reef[39] Gabriela Silang[35] Above water only at low tide. Some isolated rocks on the eastern edge stand above high water. 0
簸箕礁 Boji Jiao
Terumbu Siput
Investigator Shoal[39] Pawikan[35] Above water only at low tide. Some large rocks at the western end are visible at high water. Encloses a lagoon. 0
榆亚暗沙 Yuya Ansha
Bãi Thám Hiểm
Terumbu Peninjau
Louisa Reef[32] 南通礁 Nantong Jiao Rocks 1 m high. Malaysia operates a lighthouse here. 0
Terumbu Semarang/ Barat Kecil
Mariveles Reef[14][32] Mariveles A sand cay, 1.5–2 m high, surrounded by two lagoons, parts of which are above water at high tide. Several soldiers stationed. Occupied since 1986. 0
南海礁 Nanhai Jiao
Bãi /Đá Kỳ Vân
Terumbu Mantanani
Total 1 artificial island, 5 reefs, 1 shoal 6.2
[edit] Virtually occupied or controlled
An unoccupied feature that lies within 9 miles (14 km) radius of an occupied feature, provided that it does not lie between the occupied feature and another occupied feature controlled by a different country and is not within 9 miles (14 km) of the feature occupied by the other country, can be considered as virtually occupied. 9 miles (14 km) is the effective horizon distance that can be seen from a 15 meter high structure. The nearer the feature, the better.
While virtually occupied features are not actual occupied features (e.g., no structures built and no soldiers are stationed or regularly visits), they are on the other hand largely controlled. If a naval vessel of another country was seen within the effective horizon of a feature and in an inconvenient direction, it can be taken as a military assault. Thus, the forces occupying the feature may attack the vessel. Claimant countries currently cannot upgrade the status of these virtually occupied features to absolutely occupied because other countries may view this as an expansion motive which clearly violates the Code of Conduct signed in 2002. Also, making the virtually occupied to absolutely occupied requires building of structures which will serve as barracks of new soldiers who will guard it. Building of structures in unoccupied (including virtually occupied) features is prohibited by the Code of Conduct.
Note that most virtually occupied features are by the Philippines. Vietnam in the past, prior to signing of the Code of Conduct, have acquired many features as much as it can. As of now, it has a total of 26 occupied features. Whenever it occupied a feature in the past, it immediately occupies features which are near to it. Example of this is South Reef which Vietnam immediately occupied after it successfully invaded Southwest Cay. Thus, no feature has been virtually controlled by Vietnam since it always occupy features which it can see within its horizon. Also, Vietnam's occupied features in Tizard and Union Banks are near other countries' occupied features. Hence, many unoccupied features near to Vietnam's occupied features in these banks also lie near other countries' occupied features. As for Malaysia, it only occupied reefs at the southern tip of the Spratly chain where features are dispersed. No other features can be found within the horizon of Malaysian-occupied features.
Virtually Occupied and Controlled
Virtually Occupied by the Philippines
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Loaita Cay Melchora Aquino Lies 1.5 miles (2 km) south-northeast of Philippine-occupied Loaita Island. Actually, it is between two Philippine-occupied islands, the other being Lankiam Cay, but is nearer to Loita Island. A sand cay, with fringing reef naturally above water at high tide. This feature is commonly confused with Lankiam Cay. Not to be confused with Loaita Island. Part of Loiata Banks. ??
南钥沙洲 Nanyao Shazhou
Bãi Loại Ta
Loaita Nan/ Loaita Southwest Reef Magbanua Lies 5 miles (8 km) northwest of Philippine-occupied Loaita Island. Nearest feature occupied by other country is Subi Reef, occupied by China, lies 30 miles (48 km) northwest. Never above water. Part of Loaita Banks. 0
双黄沙洲 Shuanghuang Shazhou
Bãi Loại Ta Nam
North Reef Hilaga Lies 1.5 miles (2 km) northest of Philippine-occupied Northest Cay (Parola Island). Nearest feature occupied by other country is Southwest Cay, occupied by Vietnam, lies 3.5 miles (6 km) southwest. Because it is Northeast Cay which lies between Southwest Cay and North Reef, North Reef became virtually occupied by the Philippines. At NE end of North Danger Reef. Naturally above water only at low tide. The Philippines once considered building a long airstrip over this feature to ease transportation to Northeast Cay. Northeast Cay is only 12.7 hectares and it doesn't have a large coral base. This is unlike Pagasa Island (Thitu Island) were a long airstrip had been constructed adjacent to the island by reclaiming portions of Pagasa's large coral base. Hence, the Philippines cannot build a long airstrip in Northeast Cay, forcing them to consider building it in North Reef. However, though virtually occupied, they cannot build such airstrip in North Reef because the Code of Conduct prohibits it. Part of North Danger Reef. 0
贡士礁 Gongshi Jiao
Sandy Cay/ Extension Reef 铁线礁 Tiexian Jiao Lies 5 miles (8 km) west of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island. Nearest feature occupied by other country is Subi Reef, occupied by China, lies 13 miles (21 km) southwest. A low sand cay; fringing reef above water at high tide. ??
Virtually Occupied by China
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Kennan Reef 西门礁 Ximen Jiao (Kennan) Lies just 1 mile (2 km) west of PRC-occupied Hughes Reef. Nearest features occupied by other country is Vietnam-occupied Sin Cowe Island and Higgens Reef, both lies about 9 miles (14 km) west and southwest respectively. Because China is very near compared to Vietnam, Kennan Reef became virtually occupied by China. It actually causes many references to be confused on which feature between Hughes and Kennan is actually occupied by China. Naturally above water at least at low tide. 0
Đá Ken Nan
Edmund Reef 南门礁 Nanmen Jiao Lies 4 miles (6 km) east of Vietnam-occupied Sin Cowe Island and 4 miles (6 km) west of Kennan Reef. Part of Union Banks. 0
Hallet Reef 安乐礁 Anle Jiao Lies 1 mile (2 km) to the northeast of Hughes Reef. Part of Union Banks. 0
Holiday Reef 长线礁 Changxian Jiao Above water only at low tide. Part of Union Banks. 0
Empire Reef 主权礁 Zhuquan Jiao Above water only at low tide. Part of Union Banks. 0
Eldad Reef 安达礁 Anda Jiao Only a few large rocks are naturally above water at high tide. Part of Tizard Banks. 0
Malvar
Beting Burgai
[edit] Unoccupied features
Unoccupied but Largely Controlled by the Philippines
The reefs, shoals, etc. to the east of the 116°E meridian are closely guarded by the Philippine Navy and Air Force. Though not occupied, the Philippines undeniably has control over these features which are less 100 miles (160 km) from the Palawan west coast (note: Scarborough Shoal is 100 miles (160 km) from Zambales west coast). There are many Filipino fishermen in this region, who cooperate closely with the Philippine Navy. Non-Filipino fishermen are tolerated in this region, provided that they comply with Philippine laws. The press in the Philippines have reported many arrests of Chinese fishermen by the Philippine Navy because of illegal fishing methods and catching of endangered sea species, both in this region and in the Sulu Sea. Philippine military presence in this region intensified after the 1995 Mischief Reef incident. The Philippine Air Force has been active in striking even the markers set up by other countries to guide the latter's naval forces in this region.
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Amy Douglas Bank or Reef Mahiwagang Diwata Lies north of Palawan Passage. Awash at low tide. 0
安塘滩 Antang Tan, 安塘礁 Antang Jiao
Bombay Shoal Abad Santos[35] Several rocks are exposed at low tide. Surrounds a lagoon. 0
蓬勃暗沙 Pengbo Ansha
Boxall Reef Rajah Sulayman Above water only at low tide. 0
牛车轮礁 Niuchelun Jiao
Carnadic Shoal 红石暗沙 Hongshi Ansha 0
Director Shoal/Reef Tamban 0
指向礁 Zhixiang Jiao
Ganges Reef Palma 0
恒礁 Heng Jiao
Glasgow Bank Aguinaldo Some sources say[citation needed] this area is occupied by the Philippines due to its proximity to the Commodore Reef. 0
双礁 Shuang Jiao
Half Moon Shoal Hasa-hasa[35] Several rocks on the eastern side rise one to two feet above high tide. Encloses a lagoon. 0
半月礁 Banyue Jiao
Bãi Trăng Khuyết
Hardy Reef Sakay Naturally above water only at low tide. Surrounds a narrow strip of sand. 0
半路礁 Banlu Jiao
Hopkins Reef 火星礁 Huoxing Jiao 0
Investigator Northeast Shoal Dalagang Bukid Lies only a few miles west of Palawan. Naturally above water at low tide. 0
海口礁 Haikou Jiao
Iroquois Reef Del Pilar Lies east of both Philippine-occupied Nanshan Island and Flat Island. Above water only at low tide. 0
鲎藤礁 Houteng Jiao
Leslie Bank Urduja 0
勇士滩 Yongshi Tan
Lord Auckland Shoal Lapu-Lapu 0
莪兰暗沙 Elan Ansha
Lys Shoal Bisugo 0
乐斯暗沙 Lesi Ansha
North East Shoal Ponce Lies only a few miles north of Commodore Reef. Above water only at low tide. 0
校尉暗沙 Xiaowei Ansha
Pennsylvania North Reef 阳明礁 Yangming Jiao 0
Pennsylvania South Reef 孔明礁 Kongming Jiao 0
Reed Tablemount (including Nares Bank and Marie Louise
Bank)
Recto[35] Shallowest natural depth is 9 m. About 2,500 square miles (6,500 km2) in area. The Philippines occupied this feature in 1971 and a Philippine-Sweden joint oil-exploration followed afterwards.[32] However, China protested this act of the Philippines saying that this tablemount which center lies 100 miles (160 km) from the Philippines is part of China's territories. After that, the Philippines tried asking China for a joint effort but China declined, arguing that the Philippines has no right in this feature. Presently, this feature is largely controlled by the Philippines. 0
礼乐滩 Liyue Tan
Bãi Cỏ Rồng
Royal Captain Shoal Kanduli[35] A few rocks are above water at low tide. Surrounds a lagoon. 0
舰长礁 Jianzhang Jiao
Sabina Shoal Escoda It encloses two lagoons, naturally above water at low tide. Lies east of the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Reef. 0
仙宾礁 Xianbin Jiao
Sandy Shoal Mabuhangin 0
神仙暗沙 Shenxian Ansha
Seahorse Shoal or Seashore Shoal Baybayin Dagat Lies north of Palawan Passage 0
海马滩 Haima Tan
Stag Shoal Panday Pira 0
隐遁暗沙 Yindun Ansha
Southern Bank/Reef Katimugan A group of features located south of Reed Tablemount. The reef includes: Magat Salamat, Tagpi, Hubo Reef, and Katimugan Banks/Reef. The area is largely controlled and used for fishing by the Philippines due to its proximity to Flat Island and Nanshan Island. 0
南方浅滩 Nanfang Qiantan
Templar Bank Dalag[35] 0
忠孝滩 Zhongxiao Tan
Trident Shoal Tatlong-tulis 0
永登暗沙 Yongdeng Ansha
Viper North Shoal Maya-maya 0
都护暗沙 Duhu Ansha
Viper Shoal Tomas Claudio 0
保卫暗沙 Baowei Ansha
Unoccupied but Largely Controlled by Malaysia
Malaysia claims a portion of the South China Sea together with 11 islands and other marine features in the Spratly group on the basis that they are within its continental shelf. These shoals lie off the North-Western coast of Sarawak over an area of 100 km in the South China Sea, as such, they are largely controlled by Malaysia.
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
North Luconia Shoals 北康暗沙 Beikang Ansha 0
Gugusan Beting Raja Jarum
South Luconia Shoals 南康暗沙 Nankang Ansha 0
Gugusan Beting Patinggi Ali
James Shoal 曾母暗沙 Zengmu Ansha Shallowest natural depth is 17.5 m. 0
Not Occupied by any Country
These are the unoccupied features. Some sources say that some of these features are occupied by Vietnam or China but most sources, including the latest, say that they are not occupied. Occupation are probably confused because the said reefs are very close to occupied features. There are many unoccupied features in the Spratly chain. The current Code of Conduct prohibits any country from acquiring new features. Many of these features are actually in between and near two or more occupied features of different countries. Thus, they serve like buffer zones. Example of this is Jones Reef which lies almost exactly between PRC-occupied Hughes Reef and Vietnamese-occupied Higgens Reef.
Int'l Name Local Names Description Area (ha.)
Alicia Annie Reef Arellano[35] A sand "cay", 1.2 m high. Many rocks above high tide line. 0
仙娥礁 Xian'e Jiao
Đá Suối Ngọc
Coronation Bank 康泰滩 Kangtai Tan 0
Discovery Small Reef Gomez Above water only at low tide. 0
小现礁 Xiaoxian Jiao
Đá Nhỏ
Dhaulle Shoal 逍遥暗沙 Xiaoyao Ansha 0
Hopps Reef Diego Silang Above water only at low tide. Part of Southampton Reefs. 0
禄沙礁 Lusha Jiao
Đá Hop
Jackson Atoll Quirino Four or five portions are above water at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. 0
五方礁 Wufang Jiao
Jones Reef 漳溪礁 Zhangxi Jiao Lies 5 miles (8 km) south of Kennan Reef. Small reef, partly above water only at low tide. Part of Union Banks. 0
Livock Reef (NE part) Jacinto Above water only at low tide. Some rocks still visible at high tide. Part of Southampton Reefs. 0
(SW part) Bonifacio
三角礁 Sanjiao Jiao
Menzies Reef Rajah Lakandula[35] Awash at low tide. Part of Loaita Bank. 0
蒙自礁 Mengzi Jiao
Đá Men Di
Owen Shoal 奥援暗沙 Aoyuan Ansha Shallowest natural depth is 6 m. 0
Thitu Reef 铁峙礁 Tiezhi Jiao Above water only at low tide. Located northeast of Thitu Island and unnamed on most maps. Part of Thitu Reefs 0
[edit] Claimed features by country but occupied by other country
Claimed features by country but occupied by other country
Only the PRC, the ROC and Vietnam claim all of the Spratly Island Chain, including some features that are just 50 km from other countries like the Philippines and Malaysia. However, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have partial claims only. Here are the islands claimed but are not occupied by these three countries (flags refer to the country currently occupying the feature):
Philippines: Itu Aba Island , Amboyna Cay , Namyit Island , Sand Cay , Sin Cowe Island , Sin Cowe East Island , Southwest Cay , Spratly Island Proper , Pigeon Reef , South Reef , Ardasier Reef , Erica Reef , Investigator Shoal , Mariveles Reef , Swallow Reef/Island , Mischief Reef , Subi Reef and all of features to the east of the 116°E meridian (unoccupied) (see Unoccupied but Largely Controlled by the Philippines subtable).
Malaysia: Amboyna Cay , Barque Canada Reef , Commodore Reef and Royal Charlotte Reef (unoccupied)
Brunei: Rifleman Bank , Louisa Reef and Owen Shoal (uncertain)
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spratly_Islands_dispute
