Thitu Island

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. 
• It is only about 24–27 km from China’s Subi Reef, which hosts a large military base.

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Thitu Island FAQs

Q1: Thitu Island is located in which group of islands?

Ans: Spratly Islands

Q2: What is the name of the airfield located on Thitu Island?

Ans: Rancudo Airfield

Q3: What is the significance of Thitu Island for the Philippines?

Ans: It provides strategic and civilian presence in the South China Sea.

Source: FP