Spratly Islands dispute

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Spratly Islands dispute

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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

o 1.1 Hydrocarbons

o 1.2 Commercial fishing

o 1.3 Commercial shipping

o 1.4 Confrontations and other incidences

o 1.5 Extended continental shelf claims
 2 Moves towards resolution

o 2.1 Diplomatic moves

o 2.2 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea 2002

o 2.3 United States intervention
 3 Various claims

o 3.1 Brunei

 3.1.1 Basis of Brunei's claim

o 3.2 Malaysia

 3.2.1 Basis of Malaysia's claim

o 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

o 3.4 Philippines

o 3.5 Vietnam

 4 Tabular listing of features showing country possessions

o 4.1 Occupied features

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o 4.3 Unoccupied features

o 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

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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

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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 debated 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.

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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

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[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.

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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 and China built a stone marker on the island.[17]
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.

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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.

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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

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Chinese armed forces.[30] In Phủ Biên Tạp Lục (Miscellaneous Records of Pacification in the 
Border Area) by the scholar Lê Q Đơn, Hồng 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

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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.)

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Reef[14][32]

Jiao 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.

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.

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.

Mabini

Đá Gạc Ma

Mischief Reef[14]

[32] Jiao美济礁 Meiji 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

0
Panganiban[35]

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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

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

0.57

费信岛
費信島

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observation post for the Municipality of Kalayaan. A low,
flat, sandy cay, 240 by 90 m, subject to erosion. Has a nearby

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

12.7

北子岛

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北子礁

Beizi Jiao

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
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.

司令礁
司令礁

Siling Jiao
Đá Công
Đo

Terumbu
Laksamana

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at northern end. Some structures. Several soldiers stationed.

火艾礁
火艾礁

Huo'ai
Jiao
Đảo Cá
Nhám
Second 
Thomas 
Reef[38]
Ayungin[3
5]

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.

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.

景宏岛

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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 thatthere 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.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

贡士礁

Gongshi Jiao

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Extension

Reef Tiexian Jiao

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 Jiao安乐礁 Anle Lies 1 mile (2 km) to the northeast of Hughes Reef. of Union Banks. Part 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

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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

指向礁

Zhixiang Jiao
Ganges Reef

Palma

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.

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 Huoxing Jiao火星礁 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.

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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 Yangming Jiao阳明礁 0

Pennsylvania

South Reef Kongming Jiao孔明礁 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.

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

</div>
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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.

南方浅滩

Nanfang Qiantan

Templar Bank

Dalag[35]

忠孝滩

Zhongxiao Tan
Trident Shoal

Tatlong-tulis

永登暗沙

Yongdeng
Ansha
Viper North Shoal

Maya-maya

都护暗沙

Duhu Ansha
Viper Shoal

Tomas
Claudio

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 AnshaShallowest 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.

</div>
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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 Tan康泰滩 Kangtai 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 Jiao漳溪礁 Zhangxi

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

</div>
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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)

[

edit

] 20th century timeline

1900 - Vietnam's Nguyễn Dynasty continued to assert that the state Bac Hai Company had exercised Vietnam's sovereignty in the Spratlys since the 18th century.
1927 The French ship SS De Lanessan conducted a scientific survey of the Spratly Islands
1930

France launched a second expedition with the La Malicieuse, which raised the French flag

on an island called Ỵle de la Tempête. Chinese fishermen were present on the island, but
the French made no attempt to expel them.

1932

The Republic of China sent the French government a memorandum contesting their
sovereignty over the Paracels, stating that the Paracels were the extreme south of Chinese
territories, based on the Chinese interpretation of the 1887 treaty ending the Sino-French
War.

1933

Three French ships had taken control of nine of the largest islands and declared French
sovereignty over the archipelago to the great powers including the UK, US, China and
Japan, according to the principles found in the Berlin convention. France administered the
area as part of Cochinchina. Japanese companies applied to the French authority in

Cochichina for phosphate mining licence in the Spratlys.

1939

The Empire of Japan disputed French sovereignty over the islands, citing that Japan was
the first country to discover the islands.

Japan declared its intention to place the island group under its jurisdiction. France and the
United Kingdom protested and reasserted French sovereignty claims.

1941

Japan forcibly occupied the island group and remained in control until the end of World

War II, administering the area as part of Taiwan. A submarine base was established on Itu
Aba.

</div>
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1946 France dispatched warships to the islands several times but no attempts are made to evict
Chinese forces.

1947 China produced a map with 9 undefined dotted lines, and claimed all of the islands within those lines.[40] France demanded the Chinese withdraw from the islands.
1948 France ceased maritime patrols near the islands and China withdrew most of its troops.

1951

At the 1951 San Francisco Conference on the Peace Treaty with Japan, the Soviet Union
proposed that the Spratlys belonged to China. This was overhelmingly rejected by the
delegates. The delegates from Vietnam, which at that time was a French protectorate,
declared sovereignty over the Paracel and the Spratly Islands, which was not opposed by
any delegate at the conference. China did not attend the conference and was not a

signatory of the treaty.

1956

Tomas Cloma, director of the Maritime Institute of the Philippines, claimed sovereignty
over much of the Spratly Islands, naming his territory "Kalaya'an" ("Freedomland"). The
People's Republic of China, the Republic of China, France, South Vietnam, the United
Kingdom and the Netherlands all issued protests. The Republic of China and South
Vietnam launched naval units to the islands, though South Vietnam left no permanent
garrison. Later in the year, South Vietnam declared its annexation of the Spratly Islands as
part of its Phước Tuy Province.

1958

The People's Republic of China issued a declaration defining its territorial waters which
encompassed the Spratly Islands. North Vietnam's prime minister, Phạm Văn Đồng, sent a
formal note to Zhou Enlai, stating that the Government of the Democratic Republic of
Vietnam respects the decision on the 12 nautical mile limit of territorial waters. Both the
South Vietnamese government and the communist revolutionary movement in South
Vietnam continued to assert that the Spratlys belonged to Vietnam.

1961-3 South Vietnam established sovereignty markers on several islands in the chain.

1968 The Philippines sent troops to three islands on the premise of protecting Kalayaan citizens
and announced the annexation of the Kalayaan island group.

1971 Malaysia issued claims to some of the Spratly Islands.

1972 The Philippines incorporated the Kalayaan islands into its Palawan province.
1975 The unified Vietnam declared claims over the Spratly Islands.

1978 A presidential decree from the Philippines outlined territorial claims to the islands.

1979

Malaysia published a map of its continental shelf claim, which includes twelve islands
from the Spratly group.

Vietnam published a white paper outlining its claims to the islands and disputing those of
the other claimants.

1982

Vietnam published another white paper, occupied several of the islands and constructed
military installations.

The Philippines also occupied several more islands and constructed an air strip.

</div>
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1984 Brunei established an exclusive fishing zone encompassing the Louisa Reef and
neighboring areas in the southeastern Spratly Islands.

1996 The first Philippine-Vietnam Joint Marine Scientific Research Expedition in the South China Sea was conducted aboard the RPS Explorer of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau
of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

1987 The People's Republic of China conducted naval patrols in the Spratly Islands and
established a permanent base.

1988 PRC warships and Vietnamese transport ships had a minor clash over Johnson Reef. PRC forces prevailed and the PRC won control over some Spratly reefs for the first time in the
dispute.

1995

The Philippine government revealed Chinese military structure being built at the Mischief
Reefs. Philippine President Fidel Ramos ordered increased patrol of the

Philippine-controlled areas, the incident leads to numerous arrests of Chinese fishermen and naval
clashes with Chinese pirate vessels.

2008 Taiwan's President became the first head of state from the claimant countries to visit
Spratly islands. His visit sparks criticism from other claimants.

2009

The Office of the Philippine President enacted the "Philippine Baselines Law of 2009"
(RA 9522). The new law classifies the Kalayaan Island Group and the Scarborough Shoal
as a "regime of islands under the Republic of the Philippines." This means that the

Philippines continues to lay claim over the disputed islands.[41]

2009

Two submissions to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf were made on
May. A joint submission by Malaysia and Vietnam claims jurisdiction over their

respective continental shelves out to 200 nautical miles. A lone submission by Vietnam
claims jurisdiction over an extended shelf area. The People's Republic of China and the
Philippines both protested the moves stating that they violated agreements made with
regards to the islands.[42][43]

2011

On 18 May 2011, China Mobile announced that its mobile phone coverage has expanded
to the Spratly Islands, under the rationale that it can allow soldiers stationed on the islands,
fishermen and merchant vessels within the area to use mobile services, and can also
provide assistance during storms and sea rescues. The deployment of China Mobile's
support over the islands took roughly one year to fulfil.[44]

2011

In June, the Chinese navy conducted three days of exercises, including live fire drills, in
the disputed waters. This was widely seen as a warning to Vietnam, which had also

conducted live fire drills near the Spratly Islands. Chinese patrol boats fired repeated
rounds at a target on an apparently uninhabited island, as twin fighter jets streaked in
tandem overhead. 14 vessels participated in the maneuvers, staging antisubmarine and
beach landing drills aimed at "defending atolls and protecting sea lanes."[45]

[

edit

] See also

 Senkaku Islands dispute

</div>
(32)<div class='page_container' data-page=32>

1. ^ Veloso Abueva, Jose (1999). Admiral Tomas Cloma, father of maritime

education and discoverer of freedomland/Kalayaan Islands.. Center for Leadership,
Citizenship and Democracy, National College of Public Administration and Governance,
University of the Philippines (Diliman, Quezon City).

2. ^ Guo, Rongxing. Territorial Disputes and Resource Management.. p. 229.
3. ^ ab Borneo Post: When All Else Fails Additionally, pages 48 and 51 of "The

Brunei-Malaysia Dispute over Territorial and Maritime Claims in International Law" by
R. Haller-Trost, Clive Schofield, and Martin Pratt, published by the International

Boundaries Research Unit, University of Durham, UK, points out that this is, in fact, a
"territorial dispute" between Brunei and other claimants over the ownership of one
above-water feature (Louisa Reef)

4. ^

5. ^

6. ^ "China asserts sea border claims". British Broadcasting Corporation. May 13,

2009. Retrieved 2009-06-11.

7. ^ See the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf's website
8. ^ "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu's Remarks on Vietnam's

Submission on Outer Limits of the Continental Shelf in South China Sea". Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-11.

9. ^ Online version available from the ASEAN website.

10. ^ Landler, Mark (2010-07-23). "Offering to Aid Talks, U.S. Challenges China on

Disputed Islands". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-08-15.

11. ^ Wong, Edward (2010-02-04). "Vietnam Enlists Allies to Stave Off China’s

Reach". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-08-15.

12. ^ "China, US spar over Spratlys". The Manila Times. 2010-08-02. Retrieved

2010-08-15.

13. ^ Lee, Peter (2010-07-29). "US goes fishing for trouble". Retrieved 2010-08-15.
14. ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacadaeafagahaiajakalamanaoap Territorial

claims in the Spratly and Paracel Islands, globalsecurity.org

15. ^ United Nations Law of the Sea
16. ^ Case of the Spratly Island Dispute

17. ^ "Jurisprudential Evidence To Support China's Sovereignty over the Nansha

Islands";"Historical Evidence To Support China's Sovereignty over Nansha

Islands";"International Recognition Of China's Sovereignty over the Nansha Islands",
Foreign Ministry of the People's Republic of China

18. ^ David G. Wiencek (2002). Cooperative monitoring in the South China Sea:

satellite imagery, confidence-building measures, and the Spratly Islands disputes.
Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 19. ISBN 9780275971823.

19. ^ 《元史》地理志;《元代疆域图叙》

20. ^ 《海南卫指挥佥事柴公墓志铬》

21. ^ 《清直省分图》天下总舆图

22. ^ 皇清各直省分图》之《天下总舆图

23. ^ 《大清一统天下全图》

</div>
(33)<div class='page_container' data-page=33>

25. ^ "Spratly Islands". The Spiritus Temporis Web Ring Community. Retrieved

2010-08-17. "It is a generally accepted practice in oceanography to refer to a chain of
islands through the name of the biggest island in the group or through the use of a
collective name. Note that Spratly (island) has an area of only 13 hectares compared to

the 22 hectare area of the Pag-asa Island. Distance-wise, Spratly Island is some 210 nm
off Pag-asa Islands. This further stresses the argument that they are not part of the same
island chain. The Paracels being much further (34.5 nm northwest of Pag-asa Island) is
definitely a different group of islands"

26. ^ Furtado, Xavier (December 1999). "International Law and the Dispute over the

Spratly Islands: Whither UNCLOS?". Contemporary Southeast Asia: 386–404.

27. ^ The Sino-Vietnamese difference on the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos,

Luu Van Loi, 1996, The Gioi publisher

28. ^ Ling Wai Dai Da (Information on Things Beyond the Passes) by Zhou Choufei
29. ^ Zhu Fan Zhi (Notes on Foreign Countries) by Zhao Juguo

30. ^ Dzurek, Daniel J.; Schofield, Clive H. (1996). The Spratly Islands dispute:

who's on first?. IBRU. pp. 8. ISBN 9781897643235.

31. ^ San Francisco Peace Treaty

32. ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacadaeafagahaiajakalamanaoapaqarasatauav

"Digital Gazetter of Spratly Islands". Retrieved 2008-02-08.

33. ^ Google Earth at 10°22’40.72" N and 114°21’59.17".
34. ^ Taiwan News.[broken citation]

35. ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacad "Place Keywords by

Country/Territory– Pacific Ocean (without Great Barrier Reef)" (PDF). Retrieved
2008-02-08.

36. ^ abcdef DJ Sta. Ana, China builds more Spratly outposts, May 24, 2011, The

Philippine Star.

37. ^ Google Earth 11°27'12.79"N 114°21'21.61"E

38. ^ No comprehensive list of Philippine-occupied Spratly islands is easily available.

A web search can confirm that Ayungin Reef is occupied by the Philippines

39. ^ ab Erica Reef and Investigator shoal were occupied by Malaysia in 1999.

However, no comprehensive updated list of islands occupied by Malaysia is easily
available. A web search can confirm the occupation of these two features

40. ^ "International Claims in Spratly and Oil Claims". paracelspratly.com.
41. ^ Philippine Baselines Law of 2009 signed, GMA News, March 11, 2009.

42. ^ Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) Outer limits of the

continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines: Submissions to the
Commission: Joint submission by Malaysia and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. 28 May 2009.
Retrieved 18 September 2009.

43. ^ Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) Outer limits of the

continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the baselines: Submissions to the
Commission: Submission by the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. United Nations
Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. 28 May 2009. Retrieved 18
September 2009.

44. ^ Ian Mansfield, 18th May 2011, China Mobile Expands Coverage to the Spratly

</div>
(34)<div class='page_container' data-page=34>

45. ^ "Chinese naval maneuvers seen as warning to Vietnam". Chinh's News. |

date=June 18, 2011}}

[

edit

] Further reading

 Daniel J. Dzurek; Clive H. Schofield (1996). The Spratly Islands dispute: who's on first?.
IBRU. ISBN 9781897643235.

[

edit

] External links

 Spratlys website (pro-China)

 Paracels and Spratlys website (pro-Vietnam)
 Mariner's page of the Spratly Islands

 Taiwanese List with ~170 entries

 The Dotted Line on the Chinese Map of the South China Sea: A NotePDF (150 KB)
 List of atolls with areas

 A tabular summary about the Spratly and Paracel Islands
 Third Party Summary of the Dispute

 Ji Guoxing (October 1995) (PDF). Maritime Jurisdiction in the Three China Seas:

Options For Equitable Settlement. Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation.
 A collection of documents on Spratly and Paracel Islands by Nguyen Thai Hoc

Foundation

 Inventory of Conflict and Environment (ICE), Spratly Islands Dispute

[show]v · d · e Territorial disputes in East, South, and Southeast Asia

[show]v · d · e Territorial disputes of the Philippines
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Categories:

 Territorial disputes of the Philippines
 Spratly Islands

 Territorial disputes of the People's Republic of China
 Territorial disputes of Malaysia

 Territorial disputes of Vietnam

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<a href=' /><a href=' /><a href=' /><a href=' /><a href=' /><a href=' />

<a href=' /><a href=' /><a href=' /><a href=' /><a href=' /><a href='o/luuvanloi_1996_sinovietnamesedifference.pdf'> The Sino-Vietnamese difference on the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos, Luu Van Loi, 1996, The Gioi publisher</a>

Spratly Islands dispute

<b>Spratly Islands dispute</b>

<b>Contents</b>

<b>[</b>

<b>edit</b>

<b>] Reasons for the dispute</b>

<b>[edit] Hydrocarbons</b>

<b>[edit] Commercial fishing</b>

<b>[edit] Commercial shipping</b>

<b>[edit] Confrontations and other incidences</b>

<b>[edit] Extended continental shelf claims</b>

<b>[</b>

<b>edit</b>

<b>] Moves towards resolution</b>

<b>[edit] Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea 2002</b>

<b>[edit] United States intervention</b>

<b>[</b>

<b>edit</b>

<b>] Various claims</b>

<b>[edit] Brunei</b>

<b>[edit] Malaysia</b>

<b>[edit] People's Republic of China and Republic of China (Taiwan)</b>

<b>[edit] Philippines</b>

<b>[edit] Vietnam</b>

<b>[</b>

<b>edit</b>

<b>] Tabular listing of features showing country </b>

<b>possessions</b>

<b>[edit] Virtually occupied or controlled</b>

<b>[edit] Unoccupied features</b>

<b>[</b>

<b>edit</b>

<b>] 20th century timeline</b>

<b>[</b>

<b>edit</b>

<b>] See also</b>

<b>[</b>

<b>edit</b>

<b>] Further reading</b>

<b>[</b>

<b>edit</b>

<b>] External links</b>

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