List of maritime features in the Spratly Islands

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List of maritime features in the Spratly Islands

This page features a series of lists of maritime features in the Spratly Islands.

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The Spratly Islands

Features by area

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Perspective

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 (four by 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:

More information #, Feature ...
#Featurein Atoll"Natural" AreaLocationCurrently occupied byReclaimed Area[1]
1Itu Aba IslandTizard Bank46.00 hectares (113.7 acres)10°22.5′N 114°22′E ROC (Taiping Island)~8 acres (3.2 ha)[4]
2Thitu IslandThitu Reefs37.20 hectares (91.9 acres)11°03′N 114°17′E PHI (Pagasa Island)
3West York IslandWest York Island18.60 hectares (46.0 acres)11°05′N 115°01′E PHI (Likas Island)
4Spratly IslandSpratly Island13.00 hectares (32.1 acres)08°38′N 111°55′E VNM (Trường Sa Island)~37 acres (15 ha)[5]
5Northeast CayNorth Danger Reef12.70 hectares (31.4 acres)11°28′N 114°21′E PHI (Parola Island)
6Southwest CayNorth Danger Reef12.00 hectares (29.7 acres)11°26′N 114°20′E VNM (Song Tử Tây Island)~7 acres (2.8 ha)[6]
7Sin Cowe IslandUnion Banks08.00 hectares (19.8 acres)09°52′N 114°19′E VNM (Sinh Tồn Island)~26 acres (11 ha)[7]
8Nanshan IslandLoaita Bank07.93 hectares (19.6 acres)10°45′N 115°49′E PHI (Lawak Island)
9Sand CayTizard Bank07.00 hectares (17.3 acres)10°23′N 114°28′E VNM (Sơn Ca Island)~9 acres (3.6 ha)[8][9]
10Loaita IslandLoaita Bank06.45 hectares (15.9 acres)10°40′N 114°25′E PHI (Kota Island)
11Swallow ReefSwallow Reef06.20 hectares (15.3 acres)07°22′N 113°50′E MYS (Layang-Layang Reef)~95 acres (38 ha)
12Namyit IslandTizard Bank05.30 hectares (13.1 acres)10°11′N 114°22′E VNM (Nam Yết Island)
13Amboyna CayAmboyna Cay01.60 hectares (4.0 acres)07°54′N 112°55′E VNM (An Bang Island)
Grierson ReefUnion Banks01.60 hectares (4.0 acres)09°54′N 114°34′E VNM (Sinh Tồn Đông Island)~3 acres (1.2 ha)[10][11]
West London ReefLondon Reefs01.10 hectares (2.7 acres)08°52′N 112°15′E VNM (Đá Tây A Island)~70 acres (28 ha)[8][10][11][12]
Central London ReefLondon Reefs00.88 hectares (2.2 acres)08°56′N 112°21′E VNM (Trường Sa Đông Island)~4 acres (1.6 ha)[10][11]
14Flat IslandLoaita Bank00.57 hectares (1.4 acres)10°49′N 115°49′E PHI (Patag Island)
15Loaita CayLoaita Bank00.53 hectares (1.3 acres)10°43′43″N 114°21′09″E PHI (Melchora Aquino Island)
16Lankiam CayLoaita Bank00.44 hectares (1.1 acres)10°43′N 114°32′E PHI (Panata Island)
Mischief ReefMischief Reef00.0009°56′N 115°32′E PRC~1,379 acres (558 ha)[13][14]
Subi ReefThitu Reefs00.0010°55′N 114°04′E PRC~976 acres (395 ha)[13][15]
Fiery Cross ReefFiery Cross Reef00.0009°36′N 111°57′E PRC~677 acres (274 ha)[13][16]
Cuarteron ReefLondon Reefs00.0008°52′N 112°50′E PRC~56 acres (23 ha)[17]
Gaven ReefsTizard Bank00.0010°13′N 114°13′E PRC~34 acres (14 ha)[18]
Johnson South ReefUnion Banks00.0009°43′N 114°17′E PRC~27 acres (11 ha)[19]
Hughes ReefUnion Banks00.0009°55′N 114°30′E PRC~19 acres (7.7 ha)[20][21]
Pearson ReefSW Dangerous Ground 00.0008°58′N 113°42′E VNM (Phan Vinh Island)~6 acres (2.4 ha)[22]
Cornwallis South ReefSW Dangerous Ground 00.0008°43′N 114°11′E VNM (Núi Le Reef)~2 acres (0.81 ha)[10][11]
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Features by major reef/bank, etc.

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Perspective
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Map of the South China Sea area showing the location of Dangerous Ground

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°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]

  • NW of Dangerous Ground (approx. 10-12°N, 113-115°E)[24]
  • NE Dangerous Ground (approx. 10-12°N, 115-117°E)[25]
  • SE Dangerous Ground (approx. 7-10°N, 115-117°E)[26][27][28]
  • SW Dangerous Ground (approx. 7-10°N, 113-115°E)[29]
  • E of Dangerous Ground (approx. 3-12°N, east of 117°E)[25][26][28]
  • S of Dangerous Ground (approx. 3- 7°N, 113-117°E)[28][30] and
  • W of Dangerous Ground (approx. 3-12°N, west of 113°E)[note 2]

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:

More information Sub-area, Group ...
Sub-areaGroupVicinity Contains:
NWNorth Danger Reef11°25′N 114°21′E North Reef (Spratly Islands) [zh]; Northeast Cay; Shira Islet; Southwest Cay; Jenkins Patches; South Reef; Sabine Patches; Farquharson Patches; Day Shoal; Iroquois Ridge
NWTrident & Lys Trident Shoal [zh], Lys Shoal [zh]
NWThitu Reefs [zh]11°03′N 114°17′E Thitu Island; Thitu Reef [zh]; Sandy Cay (Spratly Islands) [zh]
NW(Near Thitu Reefs [zh])10°55′N 114°04′E Subi Reef
NWLoaita Banks10°45′N 114°30′E Lankiam Cay; Loaita Cay; Loaita Nan; Loaita Island
NW(East of Loaita Banks)10°55′N 114°45′E Menzies Reef [zh] , Irving Reef, West York Island
NWTizard Banks10°15′N 114°30′E Ban Than Reef/Zhongzhou Reef; Eldad Reef; Gaven Reefs; Namyit Island; Petley Reef; Sand Cay; Taiping Island/Itu Aba
NW(West of Tizard Banks) Western Reef, Discovery Great Reef, Discovery Small Reef [zh]
W(West of Union Banks)9°30′N 112°30′E Fiery Cross Reef, Dhaulle Shoal [zh], Coronation Bank [zh]
SWUnion Banks09°50′N 114°30′E Collins Reef/Johnson North Reef, Edmund Reef [zh], Grierson Reef/Sin Cowe East Island, Hallet Reef [zh], Higgens Reef [zh], Holiday Reef [zh], Hughes Reef, Johnson South Reef, Jones Reef [zh]/Zhangxi Jiao, Lansdowne Reef, McKennan Reef [zh]/Kennan Reef, Sin Cowe Island, Whitson Reef, Empire Reef [zh], Loveless Reef [zh]
NEReed Tablemount11°20′N 116°50′E Reed Bank, Nares Bank [vi; zh],[31] Marie Louise Bank [vi; zh],[32] Pennsylvania North Reef [vi; zh],[33] Iroquois Reef [vi; zh][34]
NENE Dangerous Ground11°N 116°E Jackson Atoll [zh], Nanshan Island, Flat Island, Third Thomas Shoal, Hopkins Reef [zh], Amy Douglas Bank [zh]/Hirane Shoal, Hardy Reef [zh]/Hubo Reef, Sandy Shoal [zh], Lord Auckland Shoal [zh], Carnatic Shoal [zh], Seahorse Shoal [zh]/Seashore Shoal/Routh Shoal, Iroquois Reef [zh], Leslie Bank [zh], Templar Bank [zh], Southern Bank (Spratly Islands) [zh], Katimugan Banks [zh] [dubious discuss], Tagpi [zh] [dubious discuss], Pennsylvania South Reef [zh]/Magat Salamat Reef,
NE Southampton Reefs Hopps Reef [zh] ; Livock Reef [zh]
E(East & SE Dangerous Ground) Bombay Shoal [zh], Royal Captain Shoal, Half Moon Shoal, South Viper Shoal [zh]
SESE Dangerous Ground9°N 116°E Sabina Shoal, Boxall Reef [zh], Second Thomas Shoal, Mischief Reef, First Thomas Shoal, Alicia Annie Reef [zh], Commodore Reef, North Viper Shoal [zh], North East Shoal [zh], Director Reef [zh], Glasgow Bank [zh], Investigator Northeast Shoal
SWSW Dangerous Ground9°N 114°E Maralie Reef [zh]/Bittern Reef, Alison Reef, Cornwallis South Reef, Pearson Reef, Pigeon Reef, Investigator Shoal, Ardasier Reef, Ardasier Bank [zh], Erica Reef, Mariveles Reef, Dallas Reef, Barque Canada Reef, Royal Charlotte Reef [zh]
WLondon Reefs08°50′N 112°30′E Central London Reef; Cuarteron Reef; East London Reef; West London Reef
W(Spratly Island vicinity)08°40′N 111°45′E Spratly Island, Ladd Reef, Jubilee Bank (Spratly Islands) [zh]
W(West of Spratly Island) Scawfell Shoal, Charlotte Bank, Vanguard Bank [zh], Julia Shoal, Royal Bishop Shoal
W(Southwest of Spratly Island) Alexandra Bank [zh]; Grainger Bank [zh]; Prince of Wales Bank; Prince Consort Bank [zh]
WRifleman Bank [zh]07°50′N 111°40′E Bombay Castle (bãi Ba Kè); Johnson Patch  [zh] (tức là Bãi Vũng Mây); Kingston Shoal  [zh] (Bãi Đinh); Orleana Shoal  [zh] (Bãi Đất), Bãi Ráng Chiều, bãi Ngũ Sắc, bãi Xà Cừ, bãi Vũ Tích
S Amboyna Cay; Swallow Reef; Louisa Reef
SLuconia Shoals05°30′N 112°30′E North Luconia Shoals [zh]: Friendship Shoal [zh], Hardie Reef  [zh], Aitken Reef  [zh], Buck Reef  [zh], Moody Reef  [zh], Seahorse Breakers  [zh], Tripp Reef  [zh], Hayes Reef  [zh]

South Luconia Shoals [zh]: Stigant Reef  [zh], Connell Reef  [zh], Herald Reef (Spratly Islands)  [zh], Comus Shoal  [zh], Richmond Reef  [zh], Luconia Breakers  [zh]

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Features by name

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
P
R
S
T
U
W
Z

Features by occupier and/or claimant

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Perspective
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The Spratly Islands, showing occupancy.

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.[citation needed]

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)

Summary

More information Int'l Name, Co-ords ...
Int'l NameCo-ordsSub-groupOccupant/sSinceNotes
Itu Aba10°22.5′N 114°22′ETizard Bank ROC (Taiwan)1946
Ban Than Reef10°23′N 114°24′ETizard Bank ROC (Taiwan)1946
Cuarteron Reef08°53′N 112°51′ELondon Reefs PRC (China)1988
Fiery Cross Reef09°37′N 112°58′EW of Union Banks PRC (China)1988Military Garrison
Gaven Reefs10°13′N 114°13′ETizard Bank PRC (China)1988
Hughes Reef09°55′N 114°30′EUnion Banks PRC (China)1988Lighthouse
Johnson South Reef09°43′N 114°17′EUnion Banks PRC (China)1988
Mischief Reef09°55′N 115°32′ESE Dangerous Ground PRC (China)1995Airfield
Subi Reef10°55′N 114°04′EW of Thitu Reefs [zh] PRC (China)2013Military Garrison
Flat Island10°49′N 115°49′ESE Dangerous Ground PHI1974
Lankiam Cay10°43′N 114°32′ELoaita Banks PHI-
Loaita Cay10°43′43″N 114°21′09″ELoaita Banks PHI-
Loaita Island10°40′N 114°25′ELoaita Banks PHI-
Nanshan Island10°44′N 115°48′ENE Dangerous Ground PHI-
Northeast Cay11°27′N 114°21′ENorth Danger Reef PHI-
Thitu Island11°03′N 114°17′EThitu Reefs [zh] PHI-
West York Island11°05′N 115°01′ENW Dangerous Ground PHI-
Commodore Reef08°22′N 115°12′ESE Dangerous Ground PHI-
Irving Reef10°52′N 114°55′ENNW Dangerous Ground PHI-
Second Thomas Shoal09°44′N 115°52′ENE Dangerous Ground PHI1999Navy Outpost
Southwest Cay11°26′N 114°20′ENorth Danger Reef VNM1975/04/14Lighthouse
Sand Cay10°23′N 114°29′ETizard Bank VNM1975/04/25Lighthouse
Namyit Island10°11′N 114°22′ETizard Bank VNM1975/04/27Lighthouse
Sin Cowe Island09°53′N 114°20′EUnion Banks VNM1975/04/27Lighthouse
Spratly Island08°38′N 114°25′ESpratly Island vicinity VNM1975/04/29Lighthouse
Amboyna Cay07°54′N 112°55′E VNM1975/04/29Lighthouse
Grierson Reef
/Sin Cowe East Island
09°54′N 114°34′EUnion Banks VNM1978/03/23
Central London Reef08°56′N 112°21′ELondon Reefs VNM1978/04/02
Pearson Reef08°57′N 113°40′ESW Dangerous Ground VNM1978/04/10
Barque Canada Reef08°10′N 113°18′ENE Dangerous Ground VNM1987/02
West London Reef08°52′N 112°14′ELondon Reefs VNM1988/01/15Lighthouse
Ladd Reef08°41′N 111°40′ESpratly Island vicinity VNM1988/02/05Lighthouse
Discovery Great Reef10°04′N 113°51′EW of Tizard Banks VNM1988/02/06
Pigeon Reef08°51′N 114°39′ESW Dangerous Ground VNM1988/02/07Lighthouse
East London Reef08°50′N 112°36′ELondon Reefs VNM1988/02/19
Alison Reef08°51′N 114°00′ESW Dangerous Ground VNM1988/03/20
Cornwallis South Reef08°43′N 114°11′ESW Dangerous Ground VNM1988/03/20
South Reef11°23′N 114°18′ENorth Danger Reef VNM1988/04/02
Petley Reef10°24′N 114°35′ETizard Bank VNM1988/04/13
Collins Reef09°46′N 114°15′EUnion Banks VNM1988/06/28
Lansdowne Reef09°47′N 114°22′EUnion Banks VNM1988/06/28
Bombay Castle07°56′N 111°43′ERiflemen Bank [zh] VNM1989/06/30Lighthouse
Prince of Wales Bank08°09′N 110°36′ESouthwest Bank VNM1989/06/30Lighthouse
Vanguard Bank [zh]07°32′N 109°45′EWest Spratlys VNM1989/07/05Lighthouse,
China China Coast Guard regular patrol
Prince Consort Bank [zh]07°55′N 109°58′ESouthwest Bank VNM1990/11/04Lighthouse
Grainger Bank [zh]07°49′N 110°30′ESouthwest Bank VNM1991/11/03Lighthouse
Alexandra Bank [zh]08°01′N 110°38′ESouthwest Bank VNM1991/11/30Lighthouse
Orleana Shoal  [zh]07°41′N 111°43′ERiflemen Bank [zh] VNM1998/07/03Lighthouse
Kingston Shoal  [zh]07°34′6″N 111°33′13″ERiflemen Bank [zh] VNM1998/07/07Lighthouse
Swallow Reef07°22′N 113°50′E MYS1983RMN offshore EEZ station "Lima"
Ardasier Reef07°38′N 113°56′ESW Dangerous Ground MYS1986RMN offshore EEZ station "Uniform"
Mariveles Reef08°00′N 113°54′ESW Dangerous Ground MYS1986RMN offshore EEZ station "Mike"
Dallas Reef07°37′N 113°48′ESW Dangerous Ground MYS1987 (or 1986)
Erica Reef08°06′N 114°08′ESW Dangerous Ground MYS1999RMN offshore EEZ station "Sierra"
Investigator Shoal08°07′N 114°42′ESW Dangerous Ground MYS1999RMN offshore EEZ station "Papa"
James Shoal03°58.5′N 112°21′E- MYS[35]China China Coast Guard regular patrol
Louisa Reef06°20′N 113°14′E BRU-
Aitken Reef  [zh]5°54′0″N 112°31′30″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Alicia Annie Reef [zh]9°21′N 115°26′ESW Dangerous Ground
Amy Douglas Bank [zh]
/Hirane Shoal
10°50′N 116°15′ENE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Ardasier Bank [zh]7°36′N 114°17′ESW Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Bombay Shoal [zh]9°26′N 116°55′EESE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Boxall Reef [zh]9°36′N 116°10′ESE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Buck Reef [zh]5°48′15″N 112°32′15″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Carnatic Shoal [zh]10°06′N 117°21′ENE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Comus Shoal [zh]5°2′12″N 112°56′20″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Connell Reef [zh]5°4′40″N 112°34′45″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Coronation Bank [zh]9°21′N 111°44′EW of Union Banks
Dhaulle Shoal [zh]9°28′N 112°24′EW of Union Banks
Director Reef [zh]8°28′N 115°55′ESE Dangerous Ground
Discovery Small Reef [zh]10°01′N 114°02′EW of Tizard Banks
Edmund Reef [zh]9°54′N 114°23.5′EUnion Banks
Eldad Reef10°21′N 114°42′ETizard BankUnoccupied,
China China Coast Guard regular patrol
Empire Reef [zh]9°58.5′N 114°35.5′EUnion Banks
First Thomas Shoal09°20′N 115°57′ESE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied,
China China Coast Guard regular patrol
Friendship Shoal [zh]5°57′18″N 112°31′43″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Ganges Reef [zh]10°20′N 115°04′E-
Glasgow Bank [zh]8°28′N 115°30′ESE Dangerous Ground
Half Moon Shoal8°52′N 116°16′EESE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Hallet Reef [zh]9°56′N 114°31′EUnion BanksUnoccupied, near China Hughes Reef
Hardie Reef [zh]5°47′0″N 112°26′45″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Hardy Reef [zh]/Hubo Reef10°08′N 116°08′ENE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Hayes Reef [zh]5°22′N 112°39′ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Herald Reef (Spratly Islands)  [zh]4°58′15″N 112°36′15″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Higgens Reef [zh]09°48′N 114°24′EUnion Banks
Holiday Reef [zh]9°58′N 114°34′EUnion Banks
Hopkins Reef [zh]10°48.5′N 116°05.5′ENE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Hopps Reef [zh]10°15′N 115°21.5′ESouthampton Reefs
Investigator Northeast Shoal9°10.5′N 116°27.5′ESE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Iroquois Reef [zh]10°37.5′N 116°10.5′ENE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Jackson Atoll [zh]10°29′N 115°45′ENE Dangerous Ground
Johnson Patch [zh]07°48′15″N 111°34′29″EUnion BanksRiflemen Bank [zh]Unoccupied, near Vietnam Bombay Castle
Jones Reef [zh]/Zhangxi Jiao9°50′N 114°28′EUnion Banks
Jubilee Bank (Spratly Islands) [zh]8°32′N 111°29′ESpratly Island vicinityUnoccupied, near Vietnam Ladd Reef
Katimugan Banks [zh] [dubious discuss]10°30′N 116°40′ENE Dangerous Ground-Unoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Leslie Bank [zh]11°05′N 117°28′ENE Dangerous Ground-Unoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Livock Reef [zh]10°11′N 115°18′ESouthampton Reefs
Loaita Nan10°42′N 114°19′ELoaita BanksUnoccupied, near Philippines Loaita Cay
Lord Auckland Shoal [zh]10°20′N 117°17′ENE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Loveless Reef [zh]9°51′N 114°17′EUnion BanksUnoccupied, near Vietnam Sin Cowe Island
Luconia Breakers [zh]4°59′N 112°37′ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia,
China China Coast Guard regular patrol
Lys Shoal [zh]11°19′N 114°35′ETrident & Lys
Maralie Reef [zh]
/Bittern Reef
9°12′N 113°40′ESW Dangerous Ground
Marie Louise Bank [zh]11°55′N 116°47′EReed TablemountUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
McKennan Reef [zh]
/Kennan Reef
9°54′N 114°28′EUnion BanksUnoccupied, near China Hughes Reef
Menzies Reef [zh]11°09′N 114°48′ENNW Dangerous Ground
Moody Reef [zh]5°37′38″N 112°21′38″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Nares Bank [zh]11°35′N 116°15′EReed TablemountUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
North East Shoal [zh]8°31′N 115°15′ESE Dangerous Ground
North Luconia Shoals [zh]5°39′N 112°28′ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
South Luconia Shoals [zh]5°05′N 112°40′ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
North Reef (Spratly Islands) [zh]11°28′N 114°23′ENorth Danger ReefUnoccupied, near Philippines Northeast Cay
North Viper Shoal [zh]8°02′N 115°23′ESE Dangerous Ground
South Viper Shoal [zh]7°30′N 115°00′EESE Dangerous Ground
Owen Shoal [zh]8°9′N 111°58′E-Unoccupied, near Vietnam Bombay Castle
Pennsylvania North Reef [zh]10°48′N 116°51′EReed TablemountUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Pennsylvania South Reef [zh]
/Magat Salamat Reef
10°23′N 116°34′ENE Dangerous Ground-Unoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Reed Bank11°20′N 116°50′EReed TablemountUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Richmond Reef [zh]5°3′0″N 112°39′52″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Royal Captain Shoal9°01′N 116°40′EESE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Royal Charlotte Reef [zh]6°57′N 113°35′ESW Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, near Malaysia,
China China Coast Guard regular patrol
Sabina Shoal9°45′N 116°28′ESE Dangerous GroundUnoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Sandy Cay (Spratly Islands) [zh]11°04′N 114°13′EThitu Reefs [zh]Unoccupied, near Philippines Thitu Island
Sandy Shoal [zh]11°02′N 117°38′ENE Dangerous Ground-Unoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Seahorse Breakers [zh]5°30′N 112°35′ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Seahorse Shoal [zh]10°48′N 117°47′ENE Dangerous Ground-Unoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Southern Bank (Spratly Islands) [zh]10°28′N 116°45′ENE Dangerous Ground-Unoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Stag Shoal [zh]8°27′N 112°57′E-
Stigant Reef  [zh]5°1′28″N 112°28′45″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Tagpi [zh] [dubious discuss]10°33′N 116°56′ENE Dangerous Ground-Unoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Templar Bank [zh]11°01′N 117°17′ENE Dangerous Ground-Unoccupied, the east of the 116°E meridian
Third Thomas Shoal10°54′N 115°56′ENE Dangerous Ground
Thitu Reef [zh]11°05′N 114°23′EThitu Reefs [zh]Unoccupied, near Philippines Thitu Island
Trident Shoal [zh]11°24′N 114°40′ETrident & Lys
Tripp Reef [zh]5°28′30″N 112°28′30″ELuconia ShoalsUnoccupied, near Malaysia
Western Reef10°14′N 113°38.33′EW of Tizard Banks
Whitson Reef09°59′N 114°39′EUnion BanksUnoccupied,
China China Coast Guard regular patrol
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Occupied features

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About OpenStreetMaps
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140km
87miles
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Louisa Reef
56
Louisa Reef
Louisa Reef
Mariveles Reef
55
Mariveles Reef
Mariveles Reef
Investigator Shoal
54
Investigator Shoal
Investigator Shoal
Erica Reef
53
Erica Reef
Erica Reef
Dallas Reef
52
Dallas Reef
Dallas Reef
Ardasier Reef
51
Ardasier Reef
Ardasier Reef
Swallow Reef
50
Swallow Reef
Swallow Reef
Kingston Shoal
49
Kingston Shoal
Kingston Shoal
Orleana Shoal
48
Orleana Shoal
Orleana Shoal
Alexandra Bank
47
Alexandra Bank
Alexandra Bank
Grainger Bank
46
Grainger Bank
Grainger Bank
Prince Consort Bank
45
Prince Consort Bank
Prince Consort Bank
Vanguard Bank
44
Vanguard Bank
Vanguard Bank
Prince of Wales Bank
43
Prince of Wales Bank
Prince of Wales Bank
Bombay Castle
42
Bombay Castle
Bombay Castle
Lansdowne Reef
41
Lansdowne Reef
Lansdowne Reef
Collins Reef
40
Collins Reef
Collins Reef
South Reef
39
South Reef
South Reef
Petley Reef
38
Petley Reef
Petley Reef
Cornwallis South Reef
37
Cornwallis South Reef
Cornwallis South Reef
Alison Reef
36
Alison Reef
Alison Reef
East London Reef
35
East London Reef
East London Reef
Tennent Reef
34
Tennent Reef
Tennent Reef
Discovery Great Reef
33
Discovery Great Reef
Discovery Great Reef
Ladd Reef
32
Ladd Reef
Ladd Reef
West London Reef
31
West London Reef
West London Reef
Barque Canada Reef
30
Barque Canada Reef
Barque Canada Reef
Pearson Reef
29
Pearson Reef
Pearson Reef
Central London Reef
28
Central London Reef
Central London Reef
Grierson Reef
27
Grierson Reef
Grierson Reef
Amboyna Cay
26
Amboyna Cay
Amboyna Cay
Spratly Island
25
Spratly Island
Spratly Island
Sin Cowe Island
24
Sin Cowe Island
Sin Cowe Island
Namyit Island
23
Namyit Island
Namyit Island
Sand Cay
22
Sand Cay
Sand Cay
Southwest Cay
21
Southwest Cay
Southwest Cay
Second Thomas Shoal
20
Second Thomas Shoal
Second Thomas Shoal
Irving Reef
19
Irving Reef
Irving Reef
Commodore Reef
18
Commodore Reef
Commodore Reef
West York Island
17
West York Island
West York Island
Thitu Island
16
Thitu Island
Thitu Island
Northeast Cay
15
Northeast Cay
Northeast Cay
Nanshan Island
14
Nanshan Island
Nanshan Island
Loaita Island
13
Loaita Island
Loaita Island
Loaita Cay
12
Loaita Cay
Loaita Cay
Lankiam Cay
11
Lankiam Cay
Lankiam Cay
Flat Island
10
Flat Island
Flat Island
Hughes Reef
9
Hughes Reef
Hughes Reef
Johnson South Reef
8
Johnson South Reef
Johnson South Reef
Cuarteron Reef
6
Subi Reef
5
Subi Reef
Subi Reef
Mischief Reef
4
Mischief Reef
Mischief Reef
Fiery Cross Reef
3
Fiery Cross Reef
Fiery Cross Reef
Zhongzhou Reef
2
Zhongzhou Reef
Zhongzhou Reef
Taiping Island
1
Taiping Island
Taiping Island
Location of the major islands in Spratly Islands. The eastern Dangerous Ground area contains many other reefs.

Brunei Darussalam

Note that Louisa Reef was controlled by Brunei since 2009.

Brunei Brunei
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Louisa Reef[3] China 南通礁

Taiwan 南通礁
Nantong Jiao

Rocks 1 m high. Malaysia operates a lighthouse here.[36] 0
Malaysia Terumbu Semarang / Barat Kecil
Total1 reef 0

Malaysia

Note that the Royal Malaysian Navy have established 5 Offshore naval stations (Offshore EEZ Stations) on reclaimed land:[37]

  1. 1983: Station Lima (Swallow Reef)
  2. 1986: Station Uniform (Ardasier Reef)
  3. 1986: Station Mike (Mariveles Reef)
  4. 1999: Station Sierra (Erica Reef)
  5. 1999: Station Papa (Investigator Shoal)
Malaysia Malaysia
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Swallow Reef/ Island[3][38] Philippines 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
China 弹丸礁

Taiwan 彈丸礁
Danwan Jiao

Vietnam Đá Hoa Lau
Malaysia Terumbu Layang Layang
Ardasier Reef[3][38] Philippines Antonio Luna[39] 07°38′N 113°56′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
China 光星仔礁

Taiwan 光星仔礁
Guangxingzai Jiao

Vietnam Bãi Kiêu Ngựa
Malaysia Terumbu Ubi
Dallas Reef[3] Philippines Rajah Matanda Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. Several soldiers stationed. Malaysia is also using this reef for tourism. 0
China 光星礁 Guangxing Jiao
Vietnam Đá Suối Cát
Malaysia Terumbu Laya
Erica Reef / Enloa Reef[note 3] Philippines 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
China 簸箕礁

Taiwan 簸箕礁
Boji Jiao

Vietnam Đá Én Ca
Malaysia Terumbu Siput
Investigator Shoal[note 3] Philippines 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
China 榆亚暗沙

Taiwan 榆亞暗沙
Yuya Ansha

Vietnam Bãi Thám Hiểm
Malaysia Terumbu Peninjau
Mariveles Reef[3][38] Philippines 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
China 南海礁

Taiwan 南海礁
Nanhai Jiao

Vietnam Đá Kỳ Vân
Malaysia Terumbu Mantanani
Total1 island, 4 reefs, and 1 shoal6.2

People's Republic of China

China People's Republic of China
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Cuarteron Reef[3][38] China 华阳礁 Huayang Jiao 8°53′00″N 112°51′05″E - Part of London Reefs.

Natural features
Coral rocks only. Highest are 1.5 m high, on the north.
Occupation before land reclamation
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.[40]
Land reclamation
Intelligence reports of November 2014 suggest the reef has been transformed into an island of yet unknown size, due to PRC's land reclamation activities.[1] By June 2015, the land reclamation had reached 0.231 km2 and appeared complete.[41]

0 23.1 ha[41]
Philippines Calderon
Vietnam Đá Châu Viên
Fiery Cross Reef / Northwest Investigator Reef[3][38] China 永暑礁 Yongshu Jiao 9°37′N 112°58′E - West of Union Banks

Natural features
Rocks up to 1 m high. [5] says all below high tide, but guano deposits disagree.
Occupation before land reclamation
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.[40]
Land reclamation
Intelligence reports of November 2014 observed that the reef has been transformed into an island 3,000m long and 200-300m wide due to PRC land reclamation activities.[1]
In February 2015, land reclamation was already estimated having reached 2.3 km2, turning the reef to the largest landmass in Spratly islands.[42] The reclaimed area was estimated to have grown to 2.65 km2 in April 2015.[13] By June 2015, the land reclamation had reached 2.74 km2 and appeared complete.[41]

0 274 ha[41]
Philippines Kagitingan
Vietnam Đá Chữ Thập
Gaven Reefs[3][38] China 南薰礁 Nanxun Jiao (Northern reef) / Xinan or Duolu Jiao
(Southern reef)
10°12′48″N 114°13′9″E - Part of Tizard Banks.

Natural features
A sand dune, 2 m high. Has fringing reef plus a reef 2 miles (3 km) to the south, both covered at high tide.
Occupation before land reclamation
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.[40]
Land reclamation
Intelligence reports of November 2014 observed that the reef has been transformed into an island of yet unknown size due to PRC land reclamation activities.[1] By June 2015, the land reclamation had reached 0.136 km2 and appeared complete.[41]

0 13.6 ha[41]
Philippines Burgos
Vietnam Đá Ga Ven (N. reef) / Đá Lạc (S. reef)
Hughes Reef[3][38] China 东门礁 Dongmen Jiao 9°55′N 114°30′E - Part of Union Banks.

Natural features
Lies 9 miles (14 km) to the east of Sin Cowe Island. Naturally above water at least at low tide.
Occupation before land reclamation
Occupied since 1988. Has a lighthouse[43] on top of a two storied Chinese defence outpost.[44]
Land reclamation
Imagery captured on 24 January 2015 shows 0.75 km2 of reclaimed land and the construction of a large facility in progress.[45] By June 2015, the land reclamation had reached 0.76 km2 and appeared complete.[41]

0 7.6 ha[41]
Vietnam Đá Tư Nghĩa
Johnson South Reef[3][38] China 赤瓜礁 Chigua Jiao 9.71389°N 114.286°E / 9.71389; 114.286 - Part of Union Banks.

Natural features
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.
Occupation before land reclamation
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.[40]
Land reclamation
Intelligence reports of November 2014 observed that the reef has been transformed into an island about 500m by 200m due to PRC land reclamation activities.[1] By June 2015, the land reclamation had reached 0.109 km2 and appeared complete.[41]

0 10.9 ha[41]
Philippines Mabini
Vietnam Đá Gạc Ma
Mischief Reef[3][38] China 美济礁 Meiji Jiao 9°55′N 115°32′E - East of the centre of Dangerous Ground.

Natural features
Some rocks above water at low tide. Has a large lagoon.
Occupation before land reclamation
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 the expanded 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 claimed it was a shelter for fishermen. By 2011, the "shelters" were equipped with satellite communications and radars, and the reef had four building complexes with 13 multi-storey buildings. Fifty Chinese Marines are permanently stationed there.[40]
Land reclamation
In March 2015, it was detected that the PRC had started land reclamation activities on the reef.[46] By April 2015, the reclaimed area had rapidly grown to almost 2.5 km2, and further reclamation was on-going around the reef.[13] By June 2015, the land reclamation had reached 5.58 km2 and appeared nearing completion.[41]

0 558 ha[41]
Philippines Panganiban[39]
Vietnam Đá Vành Khăn
Subi (Zhubi) Reef [3][38] China 渚碧礁 Zhubi Dao 10°54′48″N 114°03′43″E - West of Thitu Reefs.

Natural features
Lies 16 miles (26 km) southwest of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island (Pagasa Island). Naturally above water only at low tide. Surrounds a lagoon.
Occupation before land reclamation
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. Houses a doppler weather radar.[40]
Land reclamation
Intelligence reports of March 2015 observed that the reef has been transformed into an island about 1.8 km2 due to PRC land reclamation activities.[2] In April 2015, the reclaimed area was about 2.27 km2 and growing.[13] Two months later, the reclaimed area had grown to 3.87 km2.[47] Later in June 2015, the land reclamation had reached 3.95 km2 and appeared nearing completion.[41]

0 395 ha[47]
Philippines Zamora
Vietnam Đá Xu Bi
Total7 reefs of which 7 have artificial islands01350.6 ha

Republic of China (Taiwan)

Taiwan Republic of China (Taiwan)
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Taiping Island / Itu Aba[3][38] Taiwan 太平島 Tàipíng Dǎo 10°22′30″N 114°22′0″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
Philippines Ligaw[39]
Vietnam 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] Taiwan 中洲礁 Zhongzhou Jiao 10°23′10″N 114°24′49″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
Vietnam Bãi Bàn Than
Total1 island and 1 reef46

Republic of the Philippines

Philippines Republic of the Philippines
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Flat Island[38][3] Philippines Patag[39] 10°49′00″N 115°49′20″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
China 费信岛

Taiwan 費信島
Feixin Dao

Vietnam Đảo Bình Nguyên
Lankiam Cay[3][38] Philippines 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
China 杨信沙洲

Taiwan 杨信沙洲
Yangxin Shazhou

Vietnam Đá An Nhơn
Loaita Cay[3][38] Philippines 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
China 南钥沙洲

Taiwan 南钥沙洲
Nanyao Shazhou

Vietnam Đảo Loại Ta Tây
Loaita Island[3][38] Philippines 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
China 南钥岛

Taiwan 南鑰島
Nanyue Dao

Vietnam Đảo Loại Ta
Nanshan Island[3][38] Philippines Lawak[39] 10°45′N 115°49′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
China 马欢岛

Taiwan 馬歡島
Mahuan Dao

Vietnam Đảo Vĩnh Viễn
Northeast Cay[3][38] Philippines Parola[39] 11°28′N 114°21′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
China 北子岛 Beizi Dao

Taiwan 北子礁 Beizi Jiao

Vietnam Đảo Song Tử Đông
Thitu Island[3][38] Philippines 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
China 中业岛

Taiwan 中業島
Zhongye Dao

Vietnam Đảo Thị Tứ
West York Island[3][38] Philippines Likas[39] 11°05′N 115°01′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
China 西月岛

Taiwan 西月島
Xiyue Dao

Vietnam Đảo Bến Lạc (Đảo Dừa)
Commodore Reef[3][38] Philippines 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
China 司令礁

Taiwan 司令礁
Siling Jiao

Vietnam Đá Công Đo
Malaysia Terumbu Laksamana
Irving Reef[3] Philippines Balagtas Naturally above water only at low tide. A very small cay lies at northern end. Some structures. Several soldiers stationed. 0
China 火艾礁

Taiwan 火艾礁
Huo'ai Jiao

Vietnam Đá Cá Nhám
Second Thomas Reef / shoal[note 5] Philippines 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
China 仁爱礁 Ren'ai Jiao

Taiwan 仁愛暗沙 Ren'ai Ansha

Vietnam Bãi Cỏ Mây
Total 8 islands and 3 reefs 84.42

Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Vietnam Socialist Republic of Vietnam
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Southwest Cay[3][38] Philippines Pugad 11°28′N 114°21′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
China 南子岛 Nanzi Dao

Taiwan 南子礁 Nanzi Jiao

Vietnam Đảo Song Tử Tây
Sand Cay[3][38] Philippines Bailan 10°23′N 114°29′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
China 敦谦沙洲

Taiwan 敦謙沙洲
Dunqian Shazhou

Vietnam Đảo Sơn Ca
Namyit Island[3][38] Philippines Binago[39] 10°11′N 114°22′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
China 鸿庥岛 Hongxiu Dao
Vietnam Đảo Nam Yết
Sin Cowe Island[3][38] Philippines Rurok[39] 9°52′N 114°19′E
The seventh largest. Has fringing reef which is above water at low tide. Occupied since 1974. Part of Union Banks.
8
China 景宏岛 Jinghong Dao
Vietnam Đảo Sinh Tồn
Spratly Island / Storm Island[3][38] Philippines Lagos 8°38′N 114°25′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
China 南威岛 Nanwei Dao
Vietnam Đảo Trường Sa
Amboyna Cay[3][38] Philippines Datu Kalantiaw[39] 07°54′N 112°55′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
China 安波沙洲 Anbo Shazhou
Vietnam Đảo An Bang
Malaysia Pulau Amboyna Kecil
Grierson Reef[3] China 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
Vietnam Đảo Sinh Tồn Đông
Central London Reef[3][38] Philippines Gitnang Quezon[39] 08°59′N 112°21′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
China 中礁 Zhong Jiao
Vietnam Đảo Trường Sa Đông
Pearson Reef[3][38] Philippines 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
China 毕生礁 Bisheng Jiao
Vietnam Đảo Phan Vinh
Barque Canada Reef / Lizzie Weber Reef[3][38] Philippines (Barque Canada Reef) Mascardo 8°10′N 113°18′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
Philippines (Lizzie Weber Reef) Magsaysay
China 柏礁 Bai Jiao, Liwei Dao
Vietnam Bãi Thuyền Chài
Malaysia Terumbu Perahu
West London Reef[3][38] Philippines 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
China 西礁 Xi Jiao
Vietnam Đá Tây
Ladd Reef[38] China 日积礁 Riji Jiao Naturally above water at low tide. Has coral lagoon. Occupied since 1988. 0
Vietnam Đá Lát
Discovery Great Reef[3][38] Philippines Paredes Several rocks are above water at high tide. Most of reef is above water at low tide. Has lagoon. Occupied since 1988. 0
China 大现礁 Daxian Jiao
Vietnam Đá Lớn
Pigeon Reef / Tennent Reef[3][38] Philippines Lopez-Jaena Numerous rocks are naturally above the high tide line. Encloses a lagoon. Occupied since 1988. 0
China 无乜礁 Wumie Jiao
Vietnam Đá Tiên Nữ
East London Reef[3][38] Philippines Silangang Quezon[39] Rocks up to 1 m high. Encloses a lagoon. Occupied since 1988. Part of London Reefs. 0
China 东礁 Dong Jiao
Vietnam Đá Đông
Alison Reef[3][38] Philippines De Jesus[39] 8°51′N 114°00′E
Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon.[3]
0
China 六门礁 Liumen Jiao
Vietnam Đá Tốc Tan
Cornwallis South Reef[3][38] Philippines Osmeña Naturally above water only at low tide. Encloses a lagoon. Occupied since 1988. 0
China 南华礁 Nanhua Jiao
Vietnam Đá Núi Le
Petley Reef[3][38] Philippines 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
China 舶兰礁 Bolan Jiao
Vietnam Đá Núi Thị
South Reef[3][38] Philippines 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
China 奈罗礁 Nailuo Jiao
Vietnam Đá Nam
Collins Reef / Johnson North Reef[3] Philippines Roxas 09°46′N 114°15′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
China 鬼喊礁 Guihan Jiao
Vietnam Đá Cô Lin
Lan(d)sdowne Reef[3][38] Philippines Pagkakaisa Sand dune, with fringing reef. Part of Union Banks. 0
China 琼礁 Qiong Jiao
Vietnam Đá Len Đao
Rifleman Bank (containing Bombay Castle)[3] China 南薇滩 Nanwei Tan Shallowest natural depth is 3 m, called Bombay Castle. Sand and coral. Occupied since 1989. 0
Vietnam Bãi Vũng Mây
Prince of Wales Bank China 广雅滩 Guangya Tan Shallowest natural depth is 7 m. Has corals. Occupied since 1989. 0
Vietnam Bãi Phúc Tần
Vanguard Bank[3] China 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
Vietnam Bãi Tư Chính
Prince Consort Bank[3] China 西卫滩 Xiwei Tan Shallowest natural depth is 9 m. Occupied since 1990. 0
Vietnam Bãi Phúc Nguyên
Grainger Bank[3] China 李准滩 Lizhun Tan Shallowest natural depth is either 9 m or 11 m. Occupied since 1991. 0
Vietnam Bãi Quế Đường
Alexandra Bank China 人骏滩 Renjun Tan Shallowest natural depth is 5 m. Occupied since 1991. 0
Vietnam Bãi Huyền Trân
Orleana Shoal China 奥南暗沙 Aonan Ansha 0
Vietnam Bãi Đất
Kingston Shoal China 金盾暗沙 Jindun Ansha 0
Vietnam Bãi Đinh
Total6 islands, 15 reefs, 6 banks, and 2 shoals46.9

Unoccupied but largely controlled by China

China Unoccupied but largely controlled by China
China
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Hallet Reef China 安乐礁 Anle Jiao

Taiwan 安樂礁

near China Hughes Reef 0 0
Vietnam Đá Bình Sơn
McKennan Reef China 西门礁 Ximen Jiao

Taiwan 西門礁

near China Hughes Reef 0 0
Vietnam Đá Ken Nan
Eldad Reef China 安达礁 Anda Jiao

Taiwan 安達礁

China China Coast Guard regular patrols. It is also under the control of Vietnam, near Vietnam-occupied Petley Reef 0 0
Vietnam Đá Ken Nan
First Thomas Shoal China 信义礁 Xinyi Jiao

Taiwan 信義暗沙 Xinyi Ansha

China China Coast Guard regular patrol
9°20′N 115°57′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
Philippines Bulig[39]
Vietnam Bãi Suối Ngà
Whitson Reef[3] China 牛轭礁 Niu'e Jiao

Taiwan 牛軛礁

China 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
Philippines Julian Felipe
Vietnam Đá Ba Đầu

Unoccupied but largely controlled by Malaysia

Malaysia 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;[dubious discuss] as such, they are largely controlled by Malaysia.[citation needed]
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionSea areaLand area
North Luconia Shoals China 北康暗沙 Beikang Ansha Friendship Shoal [zh] (Chinese: 盟谊暗沙),
Hardie Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 海康暗沙),
Aitken Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 义净礁),
Buck Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 法显暗沙),
Moody Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 康西暗沙),
Seahorse Breakers  [zh] (Chinese: 南安礁),
Tripp Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 北安礁),
Hayes Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 南屏礁)
1,400 square kilometres (540 sq mi)[52] 0
Malaysia Gugusan Beting Raja Jarum
South Luconia Shoals China 南康暗沙 Nankang Ansha Stigant Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 海安礁),
Connell Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 隐波暗沙),
Herald Reef (Spratly Islands)  [zh] (Chinese: 海宁礁),
Comus Shoal  [zh] (Chinese: 欢乐暗沙),
Richmond Reef  [zh] (Chinese: 潭门礁),
Luconia Breakers  [zh] (Chinese: 琼台礁)
900 square kilometres (350 sq mi)[52] 0
Malaysia Gugusan Beting Patinggi Ali
James Shoal[note 6] China 曾母暗沙 Zengmu Ansha Shallowest natural depth is 17.5 m. 0 0
Malaysia Beting Serupai
Ardasier Bank China 安渡滩 Andu Tan

Taiwan 安渡灘

near Malaysia 0 0
Malaysia ?
Royal Charlotte Reef China 皇路礁 Huanglu Jiao near Malaysia,
China China Coast Guard regular patrol
0 0
Malaysia Terumbu Samarang Barat Besar

Unoccupied but largely controlled by the Philippines

Philippines 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 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 NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Amy Douglas Bank / Reef Philippines Mahiwagang Diwata Lies north of Palawan Passage. Awash at low tide. 0
China 安塘滩 Antang Tan,
安塘礁 Antang Jiao
Vietnam Cụm Hồ Tràm
Bombay Shoal Philippines Abad Santos[39] 9°26′N 116°55′E
Several rocks are exposed at low tide. Surrounds a lagoon.[3]
0
China 蓬勃暗沙 Pengbo Ansha
Vietnam Bãi Cái Mép
Boxall Reef Philippines Rajah Sulayman 8°51′N 114°00′E
Above water only at low tide. No lagoon.[3]
0
China 牛车轮礁 Niuchelun Jiao
Vietnam Đá Long Điền
Carnatic Shoal Philippines Sikatuna 0
China 红石暗沙 Hongshi Ansha
Vietnam Bãi Rạch Lấp
Half Moon Shoal Philippines 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
China 半月礁 Banyue Jiao
Vietnam Bãi Trăng Khuyết
Hardy Reef Philippines Sakay Naturally above water only at low tide. Surrounds a narrow strip of sand. 0
China 半路礁 Banlu Jiao
Vietnam Đá Phật Tự
Hopkins Reef China 火星礁 Huoxing Jiao 0
Vietnam Đá Hợp Kim
Investigator Northeast Shoal Philippines Dalagang Bukid Lies only a few miles west of Palawan. Naturally above water at low tide. 0
China 海口礁 Haikou Jiao
Vietnam Bãi Phù Mỹ
Iroquois Reef Philippines Del Pilar Lies east of both Philippine-occupied Nanshan Island and Flat Island. Above water only at low tide. 0
China 鲎藤礁 Houteng Jiao
Vietnam Đá Khúc Giác
Leslie Bank Philippines Urduja 0
China 勇士滩 Yongshi Tan
Vietnam Bãi Vĩnh Tuy
Lord Auckland Shoal Philippines Lapu-Lapu + 0
China 莪兰暗沙 Elan Ansha
Vietnam Bãi Na Khoai
Pennsylvania North Reef China 阳明礁 Yangming Jiao 0
Vietnam Đá Gò Già
Pennsylvania South Reef China 東坡礁 Dongpo Jiao 0
Vietnam
Reed Tablemount (including Nares Bank and Marie Louise Bank) Philippines 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
China 礼乐滩 Liyue Tan
Vietnam Bãi Cỏ Rong
Royal Captain Shoal Philippines Kanduli[39] A few rocks are above water at low tide. Surrounds a lagoon. 0
China 舰长礁 Jianzhang Jiao
Vietnam Bãi Đồi Mồi
Sabina Shoal Philippines Escoda It encloses two lagoons, naturally above water at low tide. Lies east of the Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Reef. 0
China 仙宾礁 Xianbin Jiao
Vietnam Bãi Sa Bin
(Bãi Chóp Mao)
Sandy Shoal Philippines Mabuhangin 0
China 神仙暗沙 Shenxian Ansha
Vietnam Bãi Hữu Độ
Seahorse Shoal / Seashore Shoal / Routh Bank Philippines Baybayin Dagat Lies north of Palawan Passage 0
China 海马滩 Haima Tan
Vietnam Bãi Thạch Sa
Stag Shoal Philippines Panday Pira 0
China 隐遁暗沙 Yindun Ansha
Southern Bank / Reef Philippines 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
China 南方浅滩 Nanfang Qiantan
Vietnam Bãi Nam
Templar Bank Philippines Dalag[39] 0
China 忠孝滩 Zhongxiao Tan
Vietnam Bãi Rạch Vang
Philippines Unoccupied but largely controlled by the Philippines
The reefs, shoals, etc. to the west of the 116°E meridian
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Loaita Nan China 双黄沙洲 Shuanghuang Shazhou

Taiwan 雙黃沙洲

near Philippines Loaita Cay 0 0
Philippines
Vietnam Bãi Loại Ta Nam
North Reef (Spratly Islands) China 贡士礁 Zhuying Jiao

Taiwan 貢士礁

near Philippines Northeast Cay 0 0
Philippines
Vietnam Đá Bắc
Sandy Cay (Spratly Islands) China 铁线礁 Tiexiang Jiao

Taiwan 鐵線礁

near Philippines Thitu Island 0 0
Philippines
Vietnam Đá Hoài Ân
Thitu Reef China 铁峙礁 Tiezhi Jiao

Taiwan 鐵峙礁

near Philippines Thitu Island
Above water only at low tide. Located northeast of Thitu Island and unnamed on most maps. Part of Thitu Reefs
0 0
Philippines
Vietnam Đá Vĩnh Hảo

Unoccupied but largely controlled by Vietnam

Vietnam Unoccupied but largely controlled by Vietnam
Vietnam
Int'l NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)Reclaimed area
Loveless Reef China 华礁 Hua Jiao

Taiwan 華礁

near Vietnam Sin Cowe Island 0 0
Vietnam Đá Nghĩa Hành
Jubilee Bank China 朱应滩 Zhuying Tan

Taiwan 朱應灘

near Vietnam Ladd Reef 0 0
Vietnam Mỹ Hải (bãi ngầm)
Johnson Patch China 常骏暗沙 Changjun Ansha

Taiwan 常駿暗沙

near Vietnam Bombay Castle
0 0
Vietnam Bãi Vũng Mây (tức là)
Owen Shoal China 奥援暗沙 Aoyuan Ansha near Vietnam Bombay Castle
Shallowest natural depth is 6 m.
0 0
Vietnam Chim Biển (bãi ngầm)
Bittern Reef
China 石盘仔 Shípánzǐ
Vietnam Đá Núi Mon
near Vietnam Pearson Reef 0 0
Discovery Small Reef Vietnam Đá Nhỏ near Vietnam Discovery Great Reef 0 0
小现礁 Xiǎoxiàn jiāo
Flora Temple Reef Vietnam Đá Đền Cây Cỏ near Vietnam Discovery Great Reef 0 0
Holiday Reef Vietnam Đá Bãi Khung near Vietnam Grierson Reef 0 0
China 长线礁 Chángxiàn jiāo
Ross Reef China 染青东礁 Rǎnqīng dōng jiāo near Vietnam Grierson Reef 0 0
Vietnam Đá An Bình
Higgens Reef China 屈原礁 Qūyuán jiāo near Vietnam Lansdowne Reef 0 0
Vietnam Đá Phúc Sỹ
Gent Reef China 吉阳礁 Jíyáng jiāo near Vietnam SinCowe Island 0 0
Vietnam Đá Sơn Hà
Bamford Reef China 龙虾礁 Lóngxiā jiāo near Vietnam Grierson Reef 0
Vietnam Đá Vị Khê
Whitsun Reef China 牛轭礁 Niú è jiāo near Vietnam Grierson Reef, Vietnam Coast guard from Grierson Reef still patrols Whitsun Reef regularly

Disputes with China

0 0
Vietnam Đá Ba Đầu
Eldad Reef China 安达礁 Āndá jiāo near Vietnam Petley Reef, Vietnam Coast guard from Sand Cay Vietnam (敦謙沙洲, đảo Sơn Ca) still patrols Reef regularly

Disputes with China and Taiwan

0 0
Vietnam Đá Én Đất

Unoccupied features

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 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 NameLocal NamesDescriptionArea (ha.)
Alicia Annie Reef Philippines Arellano[39] 09°25′N 115°26′E
A sand "cay", 1.2 m high. Many rocks above high tide line. Reef encloses a lagoon.[3]
0
China 仙娥礁 Xian'e Jiao
Vietnam Đá Suối Ngọc
Coronation Bank China 康泰滩 Kangtai Tan 0
Discovery Small Reef Philippines Burgos Reef Above water only at low tide. 0
China 小现礁 Xiaoxian Jiao
Vietnam Đá Nhỏ
Director Reef / Shoal Philippines Tamban 0
China 指向礁 Zhixiang Jiao
Dhaulle Shoal China 逍遥暗沙 Xiaoyao Ansha 0
Vietnam Bãi Nguyệt Sương
Ganges Reef Philippines Palma 0
China 恒礁 Heng Jiao
Glasgow Bank Philippines Aguinaldo Some sources say [citation needed] this area is occupied by the Philippines due to its proximity to the Commodore Reef. 0
China 双礁 Shuang Jiao
Vietnam Bãi ngầm Tam Thanh
Hopps Reef Philippines Diego Silang Above water only at low tide. Part of Southampton Reefs. 0
China 禄沙礁 Lusha Jiao
Vietnam Đá Lục Giang
Jones Reef China 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
Vietnam Đá Văn Nguyên
Livock Reef Philippines (NE part) Jacinto Above water only at low tide. Some rocks still visible at high tide. Part of Southampton Reefs. 0
Philippines (SW part) Bonifacio
China 三角礁 Sanjiao Jiao
Vietnam Đá Long Hải
Lys Shoal Philippines Bisugo 0
China 乐斯暗沙 Lesi Ansha
Vietnam Bãi Núi Cầu
Menzies Reef Philippines Rajah Lakandula[39] Awash at low tide. Part of Loaita Bank. 0
China 蒙自礁 Mengzi Jiao
Vietnam Đá An Lão
North East Shoal Philippines Ponce Lies only a few miles north of Commodore Reef. Above water only at low tide. 0
China 校尉暗沙 Xiaowei Ansha
Vietnam Bãi Ngũ Phụng
North Viper Shoal Philippines Maya-maya 0
China 都护暗沙 Duhu Ansha
South Viper Shoal Philippines Tomas Claudio 0
China 保卫暗沙 Baowei Ansha
Trident Shoal Philippines Tatlong-tulis 0
China 永登暗沙 Yongdeng Ansha
Vietnam Bãi Đinh Ba

Claimed features by country but occupied by other country

Claimed features by country but occupied by other country
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 Taiwan, Amboyna Cay Vietnam, Namyit Island Vietnam, Sand Cay Vietnam, Sin Cowe Island Vietnam, Sin Cowe East Island Vietnam, Southwest Cay Vietnam, Spratly Island Proper Vietnam, Pigeon Reef Vietnam, South Reef Vietnam, Ardasier Reef Malaysia, Erica Reef Malaysia, Investigator Shoal Malaysia, Mariveles Reef Malaysia, Swallow Reef/Island Malaysia, Mischief Reef China, Subi Reef China 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 Vietnam, Barque Canada Reef Vietnam, Commodore Reef Philippines, Louisa Reef Brunei and Royal Charlotte Reef [zh] (Chinaunoccupied)
Brunei: Rifleman Bank Vietnam and Owen Shoal (Vietnam uncertain)

Others

Baker Reef / Gongzhen Jiao10°43.5′N 116°10′E Awash at low tide.[3]

Notes

  1. At one time Lankiam Cay (Panata) had an area of more than 5 hectares, but a severe typhoon and accompanying strong waves washed away the sand on the cay leaving behind the underlying coral base with an area of less than half a hectare.[citation needed]
  2. Note that the sea in the area 10-12°N, west of 113°E is mostly at least 1000m deep until approaching the Vietnam coast, and hence contains no maritime features of interest. Refer to charts: 93020, 93022, 93030, and 93044. Areas south of 10°N and west of 113°E are covered by charts 93020, 93022, 93030 and 93049.
  3. Erica Reef and Investigator shoal were occupied by Malaysia in 1999. A web search can confirm the occupation of these two features.
  4. Possible airstrip on Northeast Cay at 11°27'12.79"N 114°21'21.61"E
  5. No comprehensive list of Philippine-occupied Spratly islands is easily available. A web search can confirm that Ayungin Reef is occupied by the Philippines.
  6. In January 2014, the PRC entered James Shoal unopposed.[53]

References

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