This page features a series of lists of maritime features in the Spratly Islands.
This page features a series of lists of maritime features in the Spratly Islands.
Of the hundreds of maritime features in the Spratly Islands, relatively few have land permanently above sea-level that is larger than protruding rocks. There are only 13 islands and cays with a natural area above sea-level larger than one hectare. [note 1] With the exception of Swallow Reef, prior to 2014 there had been no large-scale land reclamation beyond building breakwaters and piers, and extending runways.
This changed dramatically in 2014 with the PRC embarking on large-scale reclamations of the lagoons of Johnson South Reef (~10ha) and Fiery Cross Reef (~230ha), and other reclamations of then unknown extent at the Gaven Reefs and Cuarteron Reef. [1] Reports of the extent of land reclaimed on Swallow Reef vary. The PRC land reclamations have continued on a total of seven sites. In 2015, Subi Reef, Hughes Reef and Mischief Reef were added. [2] Refer to the table below for the most recently available data. In summary, there have been reclamations of very large areas (>640 acres = 1 sq mile) at three sites by the PRC, reclamations of large areas (10-100 acres) at eight sites (fourby PRC, three by Vietnam, and one by Malaysia) and reclamations of lesser areas at a number of sites. There does not appear to have been any reclamation of Philippine occupied areas. There have been small Taiwanese reclamations at Itu Aba, very small but functionally significant reclamations at six Malaysian sites, and a number small but significant reclamations at Vietnamese sites in 2016, most particularly at Spratly Island where the runway has been extended and a sheltered harbour added.
The following table contains the 16 largest "natural" features, (i.e. not including reclaimed land), [3] plus the features with significant amounts of reclaimed land:
| # | Feature | in Atoll | "Natural" Area | Location | Currently occupied by | Reclaimed Area [1] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Itu Aba Island | Tizard Bank | 46.00 hectares (113.7 acres) | 10°22.5′N114°22′E / 10.3750°N 114.367°E |  ROC (Taiping Island) | ~8 acres (3.2 ha) [4] |
| 2 | Thitu Island | Thitu Reefs | 37.20 hectares (91.9 acres) | 11°03′N114°17′E / 11.050°N 114.283°E |  PHI (Pagasa Island) | |
| 3 | West York Island | West York Island | 18.60 hectares (46.0 acres) | 11°05′N115°01′E / 11.083°N 115.017°E | PHI (Likas Island) | |
| 4 | Spratly Island | Spratly Island | 13.00 hectares (32.1 acres) | 08°38′N111°55′E / 8.633°N 111.917°E |  VNM (Trường Sa Island) | ~37 acres (15 ha) [5] |
| 5 | Northeast Cay | North Danger Reef | 12.70 hectares (31.4 acres) | 11°28′N114°21′E / 11.467°N 114.350°E | PHI (Parola Island) | |
| 6 | Southwest Cay | North Danger Reef | 12.00 hectares (29.7 acres) | 11°26′N114°20′E / 11.433°N 114.333°E | VNM (Song Tử Tây Island) | ~7 acres (2.8 ha) [6] |
| 7 | Sin Cowe Island | Union Banks | 08.00 hectares (19.8 acres) | 09°52′N114°19′E / 9.867°N 114.317°E | VNM (Sinh Tồn Island) | ~26 acres (11 ha) [7] |
| 8 | Nanshan Island | Loaita Bank | 07.93 hectares (19.6 acres) | 10°45′N115°49′E / 10.750°N 115.817°E | PHI (Lawak Island) | |
| 9 | Sand Cay | Tizard Bank | 07.00 hectares (17.3 acres) | 10°23′N114°28′E / 10.383°N 114.467°E | VNM (Sơn Ca Island) | ~9 acres (3.6 ha) [8] [9] |
| 10 | Loaita Island | Loaita Bank | 06.45 hectares (15.9 acres) | 10°40′N114°25′E / 10.667°N 114.417°E | PHI (Kota Island) | |
| 11 | Swallow Reef | Swallow Reef | 06.20 hectares (15.3 acres) | 07°22′N113°50′E / 7.367°N 113.833°E |  MYS (Layang-Layang Reef) | ~95 acres (38 ha) |
| 12 | Namyit Island | Tizard Bank | 05.30 hectares (13.1 acres) | 10°11′N114°22′E / 10.183°N 114.367°E | VNM (Nam Yết Island) | |
| 13 | Amboyna Cay | Amboyna Cay | 01.60 hectares (4.0 acres) | 07°54′N112°55′E / 7.900°N 112.917°E | VNM (An Bang Island) | |
| Grierson Reef | Union Banks | 01.60 hectares (4.0 acres) | 09°54′N114°34′E / 9.900°N 114.567°E | VNM (Sinh Tồn Đông Island) | ~3 acres (1.2 ha) [10] [11] | |
| West London Reef | London Reefs | 01.10 hectares (2.7 acres) | 08°52′N112°15′E / 8.867°N 112.250°E | VNM (Đá Tây A Island) | ~70 acres (28 ha) [8] [10] [11] [12] | |
| Central London Reef | London Reefs | 00.88 hectares (2.2 acres) | 08°56′N112°21′E / 8.933°N 112.350°E | VNM (Trường Sa Đông Island) | ~4 acres (1.6 ha) [10] [11] | |
| 14 | Flat Island | Loaita Bank | 00.57 hectares (1.4 acres) | 10°49′N115°49′E / 10.817°N 115.817°E | PHI (Patag Island) | |
| 15 | Loaita Cay | Loaita Bank | 00.53 hectares (1.3 acres) | 10°43′43″N114°21′09″E / 10.72861°N 114.35250°E | PHI (Melchora Aquino Island) | |
| 16 | Lankiam Cay | Loaita Bank | 00.44 hectares (1.1 acres) | 10°43′N114°32′E / 10.717°N 114.533°E | PHI (Panata Island) | |
| Mischief Reef | Mischief Reef | 00.00 | 09°56′N115°32′E / 9.933°N 115.533°E |  PRC | ~1,379 acres (558 ha) [13] [14] | |
| Subi Reef | Thitu Reefs | 00.00 | 10°55′N114°04′E / 10.917°N 114.067°E | PRC | ~976 acres (395 ha) [13] [15] | |
| Fiery Cross Reef | Fiery Cross Reef | 00.00 | 09°36′N111°57′E / 9.600°N 111.950°E | PRC | ~677 acres (274 ha) [13] [16] | |
| Cuarteron Reef | London Reefs | 00.00 | 08°52′N112°50′E / 8.867°N 112.833°E | PRC | ~56 acres (23 ha) [17] | |
| Gaven Reefs | Tizard Bank | 00.00 | 10°13′N114°13′E / 10.217°N 114.217°E | PRC | ~34 acres (14 ha) [18] | |
| Johnson South Reef | Union Banks | 00.00 | 09°43′N114°17′E / 9.717°N 114.283°E | PRC | ~27 acres (11 ha) [19] | |
| Hughes Reef | Union Banks | 00.00 | 09°55′N114°30′E / 9.917°N 114.500°E | PRC | ~19 acres (7.7 ha) [20] [21] | |
| Pearson Reef | SW Dangerous Ground | 00.00 | 08°58′N113°42′E / 8.967°N 113.700°E | VNM (Phan Vinh Island) | ~6 acres (2.4 ha) [22] | |
| Cornwallis South Reef | SW Dangerous Ground | 00.00 | 08°43′N114°11′E / 8.717°N 114.183°E | VNM (Núi Le Reef) | ~2 acres (0.81 ha) [10] [11] |
The boundaries of the Spratly Islands are not firmly defined. West-to-east, the islands range from the coastal waters of Vietnam to the east of Dangerous Ground and the Palawan Passage (approx. 106-117°E), and south-to-north from the coastal waters of Borneo and the southern South China Sea to the north of Dangerous Ground and the Reed Bank (approx. 3-12°N).
The major feature of the area is Dangerous Ground, an oblong area approximately 340 nautical miles (630 km; 390 mi) SW-NE, 175 nautical miles (324 km; 201 mi) at its widest, with an area of about 52,000 nm² (178,000 km²). [23] It lies approximately between 7.5–12°N, 113–117°E, and US NGA literature [23] [24] [25] etc. seems to consider its centre as 10°N115°E / 10°N 115°E . The remainder of the Spratly Islands are mainly to the west and south of Dangerous Ground, with some features to the east.
The Spratly Islands can be roughly divided into seven sub-areas relative to Dangerous Ground: [23]
Within these sub-areas there are a number of major reefs and banks, as well as ungrouped maritime features. [3]
Starting in the NW, and progressing in a generally SW direction, the features include:
A feature is occupied by a country if one of the following is true:
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.[ citation needed ] (See Virtually Occupied or Controlled table)
Legend:
Brunei 
1：Louisa Reef Malaysia 
1：Swallow Reef 2：Ardasier Reef 3：Dallas Reef 4：Erica Reef 5：Investigator Shoal 6：Mariveles Reef People's Republic of China 
1：Yongshu 2：Meiji 3：Zhubi 4：Huayang 5：Nanxun 6：Chigua 7：Dongmen Philippines 
1：Flat Island 2：Lankiam Cay 3：Loaita Cay 4：Loaita Island 5：Nanshan Island 6：Northeast Cay 7：Thitu Island
8：West York Island 9：Commodore Reef 10：Irving Reef 11：Second Thomas Shoal Republic of China 
1：Taiping 2：Zhongzhou
Vietnam 
1：Southwest Cay 2：Sand Cay 3：Namyit Island 4：Sin Cowe Island 5：Spratly Island 6：Amboyna Cay 7：Grierson Reef 8：Central London Reef 9：Pearson Reef 10：Barque Canada Reef 11：West London Reef 12：Ladd Reef 13：Discovery Great Reef 14：Pigeon Reef 15：East London Reef 16：Alison Reef 17：Cornwallis South Reef 18：Petley Reef 19：South Reef 20：Collins Reef 21：Lansdowne Reef 22：Bombay Castle 23：Prince of Wales Bank 24：Vanguard Bank 25：Prince Consort Bank 26：Grainger Bank 27：Alexandra Bank 28：Orleana Shoal 29：Kingston Shoal Note that Louisa Reef was controlled by Brunei since 2009.
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area |
| Louisa Reef [3] | 南通礁 | Rocks 1 m high. Malaysia operates a lighthouse here. [36] | 0 | |
| Terumbu Semarang / Barat Kecil | ||||
| Total | 1 reef | 0 |
Note that the Royal Malaysian Navy have established 5 Offshore naval stations (Offshore EEZ Stations) on reclaimed land: [37]
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area |
| Swallow Reef/ Island [3] [38] | 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 at Royal Malaysian Navy offshore EEZ station "Lima". Has a 1.4 km airstrip, jetty and dive resort. Occupied since 1983. | 6.2 | ~35ha |
| 弹丸礁 | ||||
| Đá Hoa Lau | ||||
| Terumbu Layang Layang | ||||
| Ardasier Reef [3] [38] | Antonio Luna [39] | 07°38′N113°56′E / 7.633°N 113.933°E Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. Has a few sandy patches. Several soldiers stationed at Royal Malaysian Navy offshore EEZ station "Uniform". Occupied since 1986. [3] | 0 | |
| 光星仔礁 | ||||
| Bãi Kiêu Ngựa | ||||
| Terumbu Ubi | ||||
| Dallas Reef [3] | 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 | ||||
| Đá Suối Cát | ||||
| Terumbu Laya | ||||
| Erica Reef / Enloa Reef [note 3] | Gabriela Silang [39] | Above water only at low tide. Some isolated rocks on the eastern edge stand above high water. Several soldiers stationed at Royal Malaysian Navy offshore EEZ station "Sierra". Occupied since 1999. | 0 | |
| 簸箕礁 | ||||
| Đá Én Ca | ||||
| Terumbu Siput | ||||
| Investigator Shoal [note 3] | Pawikan [39] | Above water only at low tide. Some large rocks at the western end are visible at high water. Encloses a lagoon. Several soldiers stationed at Royal Malaysian Navy offshore EEZ station "Papa". Occupied since 1999. | 0 | |
| 榆亚暗沙 | ||||
| Bãi Thám Hiểm | ||||
| Terumbu Peninjau | ||||
| Mariveles Reef [3] [38] | 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 at Royal Malaysian Navy offshore EEZ station "Mike". Occupied since 1986. | 0 | |
| 南海礁 | ||||
| Đá Kỳ Vân | ||||
| Terumbu Mantanani | ||||
| Total | 1 island, 4 reefs, and 1 shoal | 6.2 |
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area |
| Cuarteron Reef [3] [38] | 华阳礁 Huayang Jiao | 8°53′00″N112°51′05″E / 8.88333°N 112.85139°E - Part of London Reefs. Natural features | 0 | 23.1 ha [41] |
| Calderon | ||||
| Đá Châu Viên | ||||
| Fiery Cross Reef / Northwest Investigator Reef [3] [38] | 永暑礁 Yongshu Jiao | 9°37′N112°58′E / 9.617°N 112.967°E - West of Union Banks Natural features | 0 | 274 ha [41] |
| Kagitingan | ||||
| Đá Chữ Thập | ||||
| Gaven Reefs [3] [38] | 南薰礁 Nanxun Jiao (Northern reef) / Xinan or Duolu Jiao (Southern reef) | 10°12′48″N114°13′9″E / 10.21333°N 114.21917°E - Part of Tizard Banks. Natural features | 0 | 13.6 ha [41] |
| Burgos | ||||
| Đá Ga Ven (N. reef) / Đá Lạc (S. reef) | ||||
| Hughes Reef [3] [38] | 东门礁 Dongmen Jiao | 9°55′N114°30′E / 9.917°N 114.500°E - Part of Union Banks. Natural features | 0 | 7.6 ha [41] |
| Đá Tư Nghĩa | ||||
| Johnson South Reef [3] [38] | 赤瓜礁 Chigua Jiao | 9°42′50″N114°17′10″E / 9.71389°N 114.286°E - Part of Union Banks. Natural features | 0 | 10.9 ha [41] |
| Mabini | ||||
| Đá Gạc Ma | ||||
| Mischief Reef [3] [38] | 美济礁 Meiji Jiao | 9°55′N115°32′E / 9.917°N 115.533°E - East of the centre of Dangerous Ground. Natural features | 0 | 558 ha [41] |
| Panganiban [39] | ||||
| Đá Vành Khăn | ||||
| Subi (Zhubi) Reef [3] [38] | 渚碧礁 Zhubi Dao | 10°54′48″N114°03′43″E / 10.9133°N 114.062°E - West of Thitu Reefs. Natural features | 0 | 395 ha [47] |
| Zamora | ||||
| Đá Xu Bi | ||||
| Total | 7 reefs of which 7 have artificial islands | 0 | 1350.6 ha |
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area |
| Taiping Island / Itu Aba [3] [38] | 太平島 Tàipíng Dǎo | 10°22′30″N114°22′0″E / 10.37500°N 114.36667°E - Part of Tizard Banks. The largest of the Spratly islands, and one of the few islands in the South China Sea with its own source of fresh water. Located about 22 miles (35 km) south-southwest of Philippine-occupied Loaita (Kota) Island and about 6 miles (10 km) west of Vietnam-occupied Sand Cay. Covered with shrubs, coconut and mangroves. 600 soldiers stationed, lighthouse, [36] 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 August 1993, plans were announced for a 2 km-long airstrip and a fishing port. The now only 1150-meters-long airstrip was completed in January 2008. [48] Pineapple was once cultivated here. Occupied since September 1956, four months after Filipino Tomas Cloma claimed the islands. | 46 | |
| Ligaw [39] | ||||
| Đảo Ba Bình | ||||
| Other names: | Ligao, Huángshānmǎ Jiāo (黃山馬礁), Huángshānmǎ Zhì (黃山馬峙), Nagashima (長島) | |||
| Ban Than Reef / Zhongzhou Reef [3] | 中洲礁 Zhongzhou Jiao | 10°23′10″N114°24′49″E / 10.38611°N 114.41361°E - Part of Tizard Banks. Lies 3 miles (5 km) east of Itu Aba Island and 3 miles (5 km) west of Vietnamese occupied Sand Cay. Small drying reef. [3] "Construction project" underway since March 1995. [49] | 0 | |
| Bãi Bàn Than | ||||
| Total | 1 island and 1 reef | 46 |
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area |
| Flat Island [38] [3] | Patag [39] | 10°49′00″N115°49′20″E / 10.81667°N 115.82222°E 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 depends largely on the direction of prevailing wind and waves - the island has taken an elongated shape, the shape of a crescent moon, and the shape of a letter "S". Like Panata Island (Lankiam Cay), it is also barren of any vegetation. No underground water source is found in the island. Presently, the island serves as a military observation post for the Municipality of Kalayaan. A low, flat, sandy cay, 240m by 90m, subject to erosion. No vegetation. Several soldiers stationed. | 0.57 | |
| 费信岛 | ||||
| Đảo Bình Nguyên | ||||
| Lankiam Cay [3] [38] | Panata [39] | The sixteenth 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 | ||||
| Đá An Nhơn | ||||
| Loaita Cay [3] [38] | Melchora Aquino [39] | The fifteenth largest Spratly island. It's located about 5 nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) northwest of Philippine-occupied Loaita Island, just west of the north of Dangerous Ground. The island is a low, flat, sandy cay, and is subject to erosion. It changes its shape seasonally. The sand build up depends largely on the direction of prevailing winds and waves; it has taken an elongated shape for some years. Several soldiers stationed. Occupied since 1968. Part of Loaita Banks. | 0.53 | |
| 南钥沙洲 | ||||
| Đảo Loại Ta Tây | ||||
| Loaita Island [3] [38] | Kota [39] | 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 Taiping 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 | ||||
| Đảo Loại Ta | ||||
| Nanshan Island [3] [38] | Lawak [39] | 10°45′N115°49′E / 10.750°N 115.817°E 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 helipad. | 7.93 | |
| 马欢岛 | ||||
| Đảo Vĩnh Viễn | ||||
| Northeast Cay [3] [38] | Parola [39] | 11°28′N114°21′E / 11.467°N 114.350°E 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. [note 4] Occupied since 1968. Part of North Danger Reef. | 12.7 | |
| 北子岛 Beizi Dao | ||||
| Đảo Song Tử Đông | ||||
| Thitu Island [3] [38] | Pag-asa [39] | 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), and a school. The Philippines' Department of Tourism is making improvements to the island to make it profitable. Occupied since 1971. Part of Thitu Reefs. | 37.2 | |
| 中业岛 | ||||
| Đảo Thị Tứ | ||||
| West York Island [3] [38] | Likas [39] | 11°05′N115°01′E / 11.083°N 115.017°E 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 | ||||
| Đảo Bến Lạc (Đảo Dừa) | ||||
| Commodore Reef [3] [38] | Rizal [39] | 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 | ||||
| Đá Công Đo | ||||
| Terumbu Laksamana | ||||
| Irving Reef [3] | 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 | ||||
| Đá Cá Nhám | ||||
| Second Thomas Reef / shoal [note 5] | Ayungin [39] | 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 | ||||
| Bãi Cỏ Mây | ||||
| Total | 8 islands and 3 reefs | 84.42 |
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area |
| Southwest Cay [3] [38] | Pugad | 11°28′N114°21′E / 11.467°N 114.350°E 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 [36] and built an airstrip. Has a three-story building, garrisoned by soldiers. Philippine military controlled the island before the 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 | ||||
| Đảo Song Tử Tây | ||||
| Sand Cay [3] [38] | Bailan | 10°23′N114°29′E / 10.383°N 114.483°E The ninth largest Spratly island. Lies 6 miles (10 km) to the east of Taiwan-occupied Taiping 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 | ||||
| Đảo Sơn Ca | ||||
| Namyit Island [3] [38] | Binago [39] | 10°11′N114°22′E / 10.183°N 114.367°E 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 | ||||
| Sin Cowe Island [3] [38] | Rurok [39] | 9°52′N114°19′E / 9.867°N 114.317°E 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 | ||||
| Spratly Island / Storm Island [3] [38] | Lagos | 8°38′N114°25′E / 8.633°N 114.417°E 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 | ||||
| Amboyna Cay [3] [38] | Datu Kalantiaw [39] | 07°54′N112°55′E / 7.900°N 112.917°E The thirteenth largest Spratly island. 2m high. 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. [36] Heavily fortified. [3] | 1.6 | |
| 安波沙洲 Anbo Shazhou | ||||
| Đảo An Bang | ||||
| Pulau Amboyna Kecil | ||||
| Grierson Reef [3] | 染青沙洲 Ranqing Shazhou | A sand cay with fringing reef. [50] (Despite some ambiguity in various references, this is NOT Sin Cowe East Island. [51] ) Its sand bar area is about 12 hectares. Part of Union Banks. | 0 | |
| Đảo Sinh Tồn Đông | ||||
| Central London Reef [3] [38] | Gitnang Quezon [39] | 08°59′N112°21′E / 8.983°N 112.350°E 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 | ||||
| Pearson Reef [3] [38] | Hizon [39] | 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 | ||||
| Barque Canada Reef / Lizzie Weber Reef [3] [38] | (Barque Canada Reef) Magsaysay | 8°10′N113°18′E / 8.167°N 113.300°E 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 have been upgraded. Occupied since 1987. [3] | 0 | |
| (Lizzie Weber Reef) Mascarado | ||||
| 柏礁 Bai Jiao, Liwei Dao | ||||
| Bãi Thuyền Chài | ||||
| Terumbu Perahu | ||||
| West London Reef [3] [38] | Kanlurang Quezon [39] | 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. [36] Part of London Reefs. | 0 | |
| 西礁 Xi Jiao | ||||
| Đá Tây | ||||
| Ladd Reef [38] | 日积礁 Riji Jiao | Naturally above water at low tide. Has coral lagoon. Occupied since 1988. | 0 | |
| Đá Lát | ||||
| Discovery Great Reef [3] [38] | 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 Jiao | ||||
| Đá Lớn | ||||
| Pigeon Reef / Tennent Reef [3] [38] | 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 | ||||
| East London Reef [3] [38] | Silangang Quezon [39] | Rocks up to 1 m high. Encloses a lagoon. Occupied since 1988. Part of London Reefs. | 0 | |
| 东礁 Dong Jiao | ||||
| Đá Đông | ||||
| Alison Reef [3] [38] | De Jesus [39] | 8°51′N114°00′E / 8.850°N 114.000°E Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. [3] | 0 | |
| 六门礁 Liumen Jiao | ||||
| Đá Tốc Tan | ||||
| Cornwallis South Reef [3] [38] | Osmeña | Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. Occupied since 1988. | 0 | |
| 南华礁 Nanhua Jiao | ||||
| Đá Núi Le | ||||
| Petley Reef [3] [38] | 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 | ||||
| South Reef [3] [38] | 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 | ||||
| Collins Reef / Johnson North Reef [3] | Roxas | 09°46′N114°15′E / 9.767°N 114.250°E 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 | ||||
| Lan(d)sdowne Reef [3] [38] | Pagkakaisa | Sand dune, with fringing reef. Part of Union Banks. | 0 | |
| 琼礁 Qiong Jiao | ||||
| Đá Len Đao | ||||
| Rifleman Bank (containing Bombay Castle) [3] | 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 | ||||
| Vanguard Bank [3] | 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 | ||||
| Prince Consort Bank [3] | 西卫滩 Xiwei Tan | Shallowest natural depth is 9 m. Occupied since 1990. | 0 | |
| Bãi Phúc Nguyên | ||||
| Grainger Bank [3] | 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 Huyền Trân | ||||
| Orleana Shoal | 奥南暗沙 Aonan Ansha | 0 | ||
| Bãi Đất | ||||
| Kingston Shoal | 金盾暗沙 Jindun Ansha | 0 | ||
| Bãi Đinh | ||||
| Total | 6 islands, 15 reefs, 6 banks, and 2 shoals | 46.9 |
| China | ||||
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area |
| Hallet Reef | 安乐礁 Anle Jiao | near Hughes Reef | 0 | 0 |
| Đá Bình Sơn | ||||
| McKennan Reef | 西门礁 Ximen Jiao | near Hughes Reef | 0 | 0 |
| Đá Ken Nan | ||||
| Eldad Reef | 安达礁 Anda Jiao | China Coast Guard regular patrols. It is also under the control of Vietnam, near Vietnam-occupied Petley Reef | 0 | 0 |
| Đá Ken Nan | ||||
| First Thomas Shoal | 信义礁 Xinyi Jiao | China Coast Guard regular patrol 9°20′N115°57′E / 9.333°N 115.950°E - SE of Mischief Reef A few rocks are permanently above sea level. Much of the reef is above water at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. | 0 | 0 |
| Bulig [39] | ||||
| Bãi Suối Ngà | ||||
| Whitson Reef [3] | 牛轭礁 Niu'e Jiao | China Coast Guard regular patrol Part of Union Banks. Some rocks naturally above water at high tide. Part of Union Banks. It is also under the control of Vietnam, near Vietnam-occupied Grierson Reef | 0 | 0 |
| Julian Felipe | ||||
| Đá Ba Đầu | ||||
| 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;[ dubious ] as such, they are largely controlled by Malaysia.[ citation needed ] | ||||
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Sea area | Land area |
| North Luconia Shoals | 北康暗沙 Beikang Ansha | Friendship Shoal (Chinese :盟谊暗沙), Hardie Reef (Chinese :海康暗沙), Aitken Reef (Chinese :义净礁), Buck Reef (Chinese :法显暗沙), Moody Reef (Chinese :康西暗沙), Seahorse Breakers (Chinese :南安礁), Tripp Reef (Chinese :北安礁), Hayes Reef (Chinese :南屏礁) | 1,400 square kilometres (540 sq mi) [52] | 0 |
| Gugusan Beting Raja Jarum | ||||
| South Luconia Shoals | 南康暗沙 Nankang Ansha | Stigant Reef (Chinese :海安礁), Connell Reef (Chinese :隐波暗沙), Herald Reef (Spratly Islands) (Chinese :海宁礁), Comus Shoal (Chinese :欢乐暗沙), Richmond Reef (Chinese :潭门礁), Luconia Breakers (Chinese :琼台礁) | 900 square kilometres (350 sq mi) [52] | 0 |
| Gugusan Beting Patinggi Ali | ||||
| James Shoal [note 6] | 曾母暗沙 Zengmu Ansha | Shallowest natural depth is 17.5 m. | 0 | 0 |
| Beting Serupai | ||||
| Ardasier Bank | 安渡滩 Andu Tan | near | 0 | 0 |
| ? | ||||
| Royal Charlotte Reef | 皇路礁 Huanglu Jiao | near , China Coast Guard regular patrol | 0 | 0 |
| ? | ||||
| The reefs, shoals, etc. to the east of the 116°E meridian are closely guarded by the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy and Air Force. Though not occupied, the Philippines asserts 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 and Philippine Coast Guard. 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 and Philippine Coast Guard 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.) | Reclaimed area |
| Amy Douglas Bank / Reef | Mahiwagang Diwata | Lies north of Palawan Passage. Awash at low tide. | 0 | |
| 安塘滩 Antang Tan, 安塘礁 Antang Jiao | ||||
| Cụm Hồ Tràm | ||||
| Bombay Shoal | Abad Santos [39] | 9°26′N116°55′E / 9.433°N 116.917°E Several rocks are exposed at low tide. Surrounds a lagoon. [3] | 0 | |
| 蓬勃暗沙 Pengbo Ansha | ||||
| Bãi Cái Mép | ||||
| Boxall Reef | Rajah Sulayman | 8°51′N114°00′E / 8.850°N 114.000°E Above water only at low tide. No lagoon. [3] | 0 | |
| 牛车轮礁 Niuchelun Jiao | ||||
| Đá Long Điền | ||||
| Carnatic Shoal | Sikatuna | 0 | ||
| 红石暗沙 Hongshi Ansha | ||||
| Bãi Rạch Lấp | ||||
| Half Moon Shoal | Hasa-hasa [39] | Several rocks on the eastern side rise one to two feet above high tide. Encloses a lagoon. Reports in February 2016 indicate the Philippine control of the reef might have ended. [54] | 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 | ||||
| Đá Phật Tự | ||||
| Hopkins Reef | 火星礁 Huoxing Jiao | 0 | ||
| Đá Hợp Kim | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Bãi Phù Mỹ | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Đá Khúc Giác | ||||
| Leslie Bank | Urduja | 0 | ||
| 勇士滩 Yongshi Tan | ||||
| Bãi Vĩnh Tuy | ||||
| Lord Auckland Shoal | Lapu-Lapu | + | 0 | |
| 莪兰暗沙 Elan Ansha | ||||
| Bãi Na Khoai | ||||
| Pennsylvania North Reef | 阳明礁 Yangming Jiao | 0 | ||
| Đá Gò Già | ||||
| Pennsylvania South Reef | 東坡礁 Dongpo Jiao | 0 | ||
| | ||||
| Reed Tablemount (including Nares Bank and Marie Louise Bank) | Recto [39] | 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. [3] 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 Rong | ||||
| Royal Captain Shoal | Kanduli [39] | A few rocks are above water at low tide. Surrounds a lagoon. | 0 | |
| 舰长礁 Jianzhang Jiao | ||||
| Bãi Đồi Mồi | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Bãi Sa Bin (Bãi Chóp Mao) | ||||
| Sandy Shoal | Mabuhangin | 0 | ||
| 神仙暗沙 Shenxian Ansha | ||||
| Bãi Hữu Độ | ||||
| Seahorse Shoal / Seashore Shoal / Routh Bank | Baybayin Dagat | Lies north of Palawan Passage | 0 | |
| 海马滩 Haima Tan | ||||
| Bãi Thạch Sa | ||||
| 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 Reef, 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 | ||||
| Bãi Nam | ||||
| Templar Bank | Dalag [39] | 0 | ||
| 忠孝滩 Zhongxiao Tan | ||||
| Bãi Rạch Vang | ||||
| The reefs, shoals, etc. to the west of the 116°E meridian | ||||
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area |
| Loaita Nan | 双黄沙洲 Shuanghuang Shazhou | near Loaita Cay | 0 | 0 |
| | ||||
| Bãi Loại Ta Nam | ||||
| North Reef (Spratly Islands) | 贡士礁 Zhuying Jiao | near Northeast Cay | 0 | 0 |
| | ||||
| Đá Bắc | ||||
| Sandy Cay (Spratly Islands) | 铁线礁 Tiexiang Jiao | near Thitu Island | 0 | 0 |
| | ||||
| Đá Hoài Ân | ||||
| Thitu Reef | 铁峙礁 Tiezhi Jiao | near Thitu Island Above water only at low tide. Located northeast of Thitu Island and unnamed on most maps. Part of Thitu Reefs | 0 | 0 |
| | ||||
| Đá Vĩnh Hảo | ||||
| Vietnam | ||||||
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) | Reclaimed area | ||
| Loveless Reef | 华礁 Hua Jiao | near Sin Cowe Island | 0 | 0 | ||
| Đá Nghĩa Hành | ||||||
| Jubilee Bank | 朱应滩 Zhuying Tan | near Ladd Reef | 0 | 0 | ||
| Mỹ Hải (bãi ngầm) | ||||||
| Johnson Patch | 常骏暗沙 Changjun Ansha | near Bombay Castle | 0 | 0 | ||
| Bãi Vũng Mây (tức là) | ||||||
| Owen Shoal | 奥援暗沙 Aoyuan Ansha | near Bombay Castle Shallowest natural depth is 6 m. | 0 | 0 | ||
| Chim Biển (bãi ngầm) | ||||||
| Bittern Reef |
| near Pearson Reef | 0 | 0 | ||
| Discovery Small Reef | Đá Nhỏ | near Discovery Great Reef | 0 | 0 | ||
| 小现礁 Xiǎoxiàn jiāo | ||||||
| Flora Temple Reef | Đá Đền Cây Cỏ | near Discovery Great Reef | 0 | 0 | ||
| Holiday Reef | Đá Bãi Khung | near Grierson Reef | 0 | 0 | ||
| 长线礁 Chángxiàn jiāo | ||||||
| Ross Reef | 染青东礁 Rǎnqīng dōng jiāo | near Grierson Reef | 0 | 0 | ||
| Đá An Bình | ||||||
| Higgens Reef | 屈原礁 Qūyuán jiāo | near Lansdowne Reef | 0 | 0 | ||
| Đá Phúc Sỹ | ||||||
| Gent Reef | 吉阳礁 Jíyáng jiāo | near SinCowe Island | 0 | 0 | ||
| Đá Sơn Hà | ||||||
| Bamford Reef | 龙虾礁 Lóngxiā jiāo | near Grierson Reef | 0 | |||
| Đá Vị Khê | ||||||
| Whitsun Reef | 牛轭礁 Niú è jiāo | near Grierson Reef, Vietnam Coast guard from Grierson Reef still patrols Whitsun Reef regularly Disputes with China | 0 | 0 | ||
| Đá Ba Đầu | ||||||
| Eldad Reef | 安达礁 Āndá jiāo | near Petley Reef, Vietnam Coast guard from Sand Cay (敦謙沙洲, đảo Sơn Ca) still patrols Reef regularly Disputes with China and Taiwan | 0 | 0 | ||
| Đá Én Đất | ||||||
| These are the unoccupied features. Some sources say that some of these features are occupied by Vietnam or China, but most sources say that they are not occupied. "Occupation" is possibly confused because the said reefs are very close to other 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/or 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.[ citation needed ] | |||
| Int'l Name | Local Names | Description | Area (ha.) |
| Alicia Annie Reef | Arellano [39] | 09°25′N115°26′E / 9.417°N 115.433°E A sand "cay", 1.2 m high. Many rocks above high tide line. Reef encloses a lagoon. [3] | 0 |
| 仙娥礁 Xian'e Jiao | |||
| Đá Suối Ngọc | |||
| Coronation Bank | 康泰滩 Kangtai Tan | 0 | |
| Discovery Small Reef | Burgos Reef | Above water only at low tide. | 0 |
| 小现礁 Xiaoxian Jiao | |||
| Đá Nhỏ | |||
| Director Reef / Shoal | Tamban | 0 | |
| 指向礁 Zhixiang Jiao | |||
| Dhaulle Shoal | 逍遥暗沙 Xiaoyao Ansha | 0 | |
| Bãi Nguyệt Sương | |||
| 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 | |||
| Bãi ngầm Tam Thanh | |||
| Hopps Reef | Diego Silang | Above water only at low tide. Part of Southampton Reefs. | 0 |
| 禄沙礁 Lusha Jiao | |||
| Đá Lục Giang | |||
| Jones Reef | 漳溪礁 Zhangxi Jiao | Lies 5 miles (8 km) south of McKennan Reef. Small reef, partly above water only at low tide. Part of Union Banks. | 0 |
| Đá Văn Nguyên | |||
| 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 | |||
| Đá Long Hải | |||
| Lys Shoal | Bisugo | 0 | |
| 乐斯暗沙 Lesi Ansha | |||
| Bãi Núi Cầu | |||
| Menzies Reef | Rajah Lakandula [39] | Awash at low tide. Part of Loaita Bank. | 0 |
| 蒙自礁 Mengzi Jiao | |||
| Đá An Lão | |||
| 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 | |||
| Bãi Ngũ Phụng | |||
| North Viper Shoal | Maya-maya | 0 | |
| 都护暗沙 Duhu Ansha | |||
| South Viper Shoal | Tomas Claudio | 0 | |
| 保卫暗沙 Baowei Ansha | |||
| Trident Shoal | Tatlong-tulis | 0 | |
| 永登暗沙 Yongdeng Ansha | |||
| Bãi Đinh Ba | |||
| 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. The Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have claims on parts of the area. 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 , Louisa Reef and Royal Charlotte Reef ( unoccupied) |
| Brunei: Rifleman Bank and Owen Shoal ( uncertain) |
| Baker Reef / Gongzhen Jiao | 10°43.5′N116°10′E / 10.7250°N 116.167°E Awash at low tide. [3] |
Kalayaan, officially the Municipality of Kalayaan, is a 5th class municipality in the South China Sea under the jurisdiction of the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 193 people making it the least populated town in the Philippines.
Loaita Island also known as Kota Island, with an area of 6.45 hectares -- is the tenth largest of the naturally-occurring Spratly Islands, and the fifth largest of the Philippine-occupied islands. It is located just to the west of the northern part of Dangerous Ground, and is 22 miles (35 km) southeast of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island (Pag-asa) and 22 miles (35 km) north-northeast of Taiwan-occupied Itu Aba Island.
The Philippines has claimed many territories throughout its history. These territories include the Spratly Islands, portions of North Borneo, and the Scarborough Shoal.
Philippines and the Spratly Islands – this article discusses the policies, activities and history of the Republic of the Philippines in the Spratly Islands from the Philippine perspective. Non-Philippine viewpoints regarding Philippine occupation of several islands are currently not included in this article.
Lankiam Cay, also known as Panata Island, is the smallest of the naturally occurring Spratly Islands. It has an area of 0.44 hectares, and is located about 7 nautical miles east-northeast of Philippine-occupied Loaita (Kota) Island, just west of the north of Dangerous Ground.
Spratly Island, also known as Storm Island, is the fourth largest of the naturally occurring Spratly Islands in the South China Sea with an area of 15 hectares, and the largest of the Vietnamese-administered Spratly islands.
Sand Cay10°22′30″N114°28′48″E, also known as Bailan Island ; Son Ca Island ; Mandarin Chinese: 敦謙沙洲/敦谦沙洲; pinyin: Dūnqiān Shāzhōu, is a cay on the north edge of the Tizard Bank of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. With an area of 7 hectares, it is the ninth largest, and the fourth largest former Vietnamese-administered, of the Spratly Islands. The island has been occupied by Vietnam since 1974,. It is also claimed by China (PRC), the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan (ROC).
Amboyna Cay, also known as Vietnamese: Đảo An Bang; Malay: Pulau Amboyna Kecil; Datu Kalantiaw Island ; Mandarin Chinese: 安波沙洲; pinyin: Ānbō Shāzhōu, and other names, is an island of the Spratly Islands group in the South China Sea located just outside (SW) of the southwest of Dangerous Ground. It is SW of Barque Canada Reef, south of the London Reefs, and NW of Swallow Reef.
Mischief Reef, also known as Panganiban Reef, is a low tide elevation (LTE) reef/atoll surrounding a large lagoon in the SE of Dangerous Ground in the east of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. It is located 250 kilometres (130 nmi) west of Palawan Island of the Philippines. Administratively, it belonged to the Kalayaan Islands municipality of the province of Palawan. It is also under the de facto jurisdiction of Nansha islands, Sansha City, Hainan province, China. Activities by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the mid-2010s have created a large artificial island on the atoll including an approximately 2,700-metre (8,900 ft) runway and associated airfield.
Erica Reef, also known as Enola Reef; Malay: Terumbu Siput, lit. 'Shell Reef'; Gabriela Silang Reef ; Vietnamese: đá Én Ca; Mandarin Chinese: 簸箕礁; pinyin: Bòji Jiāo, is located in the SW of Dangerous Ground, 24km east-northeast of Mariveles Reef in the Spratly Islands.
Mariveles Reef, is located in the SW of Dangerous Ground in the Spratly Islands. It is 59 kilometres (37 mi) slightly east of north from Swallow Reef and 35 nautical miles southeast of Barque Canada Reef.
The Gaven Reefs, also known in Mandarin Chinese: 南薰礁; pinyin: Nánxūn Jiāo and Chinese: 西南礁; pinyin: Xīnán Jiāo; Burgos Reefs ; Vietnamese: Đá Ga Ven and Vietnamese: Đá Lạc, is a group of two reefs in the Tizard Bank of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
Dangerous Ground is a large area in the southeast part of the South China Sea characterized by many low islands and cays, sunken reefs, and atolls awash, with reefs often rising abruptly from ocean depths greater than 1,000 metres (3,300 ft).
The Tizard Bank, 10°15′N114°30′E is a partially sunken atoll and one of the significant maritime features of the north-western part of the Spratly Islands. It is claimed by Vietnam, China, and Taiwan, and various parts of it are occupied by these states.
Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal, Bãi Cỏ Mây (Vietnamese) and Rén'ài Jiāo, is a submerged reef in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea, 105 nautical miles west of Palawan, Philippines. Claimed by several nations but located in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, the reef is partly occupied by Philippine Navy personnel aboard ship, the BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), that was intentionally grounded on the reef in 1999 and has been periodically replenished since then.
Bombay Castle, also known in Vietnamese: Đá Ba Kè; Mandarin Chinese: 蓬勃堡; pinyin: Péngbó Bǎo; Abad Santos Shoal, is a reef with a lighthouse in the Rifleman Bank of the southern Spratly Islands. It is occupied by Vietnam, but also claimed by China (PRC) and Taiwan (ROC).
North Danger Reef is one of the seven major reefs / banks / etc. in the Spratly Islands area of the South China Sea. It is the most North Western of the features of the Spratly Islands, located to the NW of Dangerous Ground.
The Loaita Bank is one of the significant maritime features in the Spratly Islands. It is about 20 nautical miles long on its NE-SW axis, and extends from Loaita Island to the NW of Dangerous Ground.
Loaita Cay, also known as Melchora Aquino Island, is an island in the Spratly Islands. It has an area of 0.53 hectares and it's located about 5 nautical miles northwest of Philippine-occupied Loaita (Kota) Island, just west of the north of Dangerous Ground.
This list includes the names of all Spratly features known to be occupied and/or above water at low tide.
An MS Excel file containing a list of 170 maritime features in the South China Sea, including their latitudes and longitudes.
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