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Deployment of aircrafts by Philippines in South China Sea
Why is it in News?
- The Philippines has started deploying its air force to carry out daily patrols over Chinese Vessels in South China Sea.
Details:
- Background:
(1) 200 Chinese Vessels have refused to withdraw from waters off the Whitsun Reef.
(2) Whitsun Reef is located near disputed Spratly islands.
(3) China claimed that ships are sheltering due to weather conditions.
(4) The Philippines has rejected the China’s claim.
- Whitsun Reef and Spratly:
(1) Spratly islands are located in the Manila’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
(2) China Claims entire South China Sea.
(3) Whitsun Reef, also known as Julian Felipe Reef.
(4) It is a reef at the northeast extreme limit of the Union Banks in the Spratly Islands of the West Philippine Sea.
(5) It is the largest reef of the Union Banks.
(6) The reef is V-shaped with an area of about 10 km².
(7) Until at least 1990s, it was submerged most of the time and was visible above the water only during the low tide.
Source: The Hindu