Scarborough Shoal

Scarborough Shoal, also known as Scarborough Reef, is a group of islands and rocks in the South China Sea. The shoal is currently controlled by China and is the subject of an ongoing dispute between China and the Philippines.

Key Points:

1. Location:  The Shoal is located about 220 kilometers from the Philippines in the South China Sea.
2. Size and Features:
   1. The largest island of the Shoal has a lagoon and is around 60 square miles in area.
   2. Many of the rocks are so small that they are only visible at low tide.
3. Marine Life and Fishing:
   1. The Shoal is a productive fishing area due to its deep waters.
   2. The lagoon contains commercially valuable shellfish and sea cucumbers.
4. Territorial Dispute:
   1. China and the Philippines both claim the Shoal as part of their territory.
   2. There are no permanent structures built on the Shoal, but China maintains a constant coast guard presence.
5. Historical Claims:
   1. China claims historical ownership of the Shoal dating back to the Yuan Dynasty in the 1200s.
   2. The Philippines bases its claim on geography, as the Shoal is closer to the main Philippine Island of Luzon.

 

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