Why in the News?
The Philippines opened a new Coast Guard base on Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island) in the South China Sea, strengthening its presence in a disputed maritime region claimed by China.
Key Highlights
- Location: Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island)
- Region: South China Sea
- Purpose: Strengthen sovereignty and maritime security
- The base will include:
- Patrol ships
- Aircraft
- Surveillance systems
- Search and rescue operations
The base will also support:
- Fishermen protection
- Environmental monitoring
- Law enforcement
Why the South China Sea is Important
- Major global trade route
- Rich in:
- Fisheries
- Oil and gas reserves
- Strategic military importance
Dispute in the South China Sea
- China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including areas claimed by:
- Philippines
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Brunei
- Taiwan
- China’s claim is based on the Nine-Dash Line, which was:
- Rejected by 2016 International Arbitration Tribunal
- Based on UNCLOS (1982)
- China rejected the ruling and continues to assert control.
About Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island)
- Located in Spratly Islands
- Controlled by Philippines since 1970s
- About 400 residents
- Strategic location near Chinese military bases
- China has built artificial islands and military infrastructure nearby, including Subi Reef.
| [2022] With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: 1 A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention. 2 Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. 3 The Exclusive Economic Zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
