Thitu Island Latest News
A Chinese ship was recently struck aground in severe weather in shallow seas off Philippine-occupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea, causing Filipino soldiers to be on high alert.
About Thitu Island
- Thitu Island (also known as Pag-asa Island in the Philippines) is located in the South China Sea, specifically within the Spratly Islands archipelago.
- The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs in the South China Sea.
- They are claimed in their entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines.
- Thitu Island is the second largest of the naturally occurring Spratly Islands and the largest of nine islands occupied by the Philippines.
- Thitu Island is home to a Philippine fishing village and Filipino forces.
- It has been administered by the Philippines since 1971, with civilian settlement initiated in the mid‑1990s.
- It has a permanent civilian population, including a school and airport (Rancudo Airfield), a large harbor, and a lighthouse for navigation.Â
- It is only about 24–27 km from China’s Subi Reef, which hosts a large military base.
Thitu Island FAQs
Q1:Â Thitu Island is located in which group of islands?
Ans:Â Spratly Islands
Q2:Â What is the name of the airfield located on Thitu Island?
Ans:Â Rancudo Airfield
Q3:Â What is the significance of Thitu Island for the Philippines?
Ans:Â It provides strategic and civilian presence in the South China Sea.
Source:Â FP
