Thitu Island

Thitu Island, part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, is strategically significant and claimed by multiple nations for its geopolitical importance.

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.

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.

SourceFP

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