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Coordinates: 20°42′08″N 116°43′39″E / 20.70222°N 116.72750°E / 20.70222; 116.72750
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Undid revision 986646356 by MarkH21 (talk) It is not shown in the body of the article that North Vereker Bank or South Vereker Bank are administered by Cijin Distinct, which is a central contention of the first sentence as it is being written here. Does that source exist somewhere that I'm not seeing? See talk page for further discussion
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</noinclude>
</noinclude>
{{Infobox Disputed Islands
{{Infobox Disputed Islands
| plural = yes
| plural =
| type = atoll
| type =
| name = Pratas Islands
| name = Pratas Island
| image name = Pratas island.jpg
| image name = Pratas island.jpg
| image caption = Pratas Atoll from space, January 1986.
| image caption = Pratas Atoll from space, January 1986.
| image size = 250px
| image size = 250px
| locator map = {{Location map+| South China Sea |width=300 |float=right
| locator map = {{Location map+| South China Sea |width=300 |float=right
|caption= Location of [[Pratas Islands]]、[[Taiping Island]]<br/>
|caption= Location of [[Pratas Island]], [[Taiping Island]]<br/>
Legend： [[File:Red_pog.svg|8px]] {{color|red|[[Pratas Islands]]}} [[File:Blue_pog.svg|8px]] {{color|blue|[[Taiping Island]]}} [[File:Green_pog.svg|8px]] {{color|green|[[Kaohsiung]]}}
Legend： [[File:Red_pog.svg|8px]] {{color|red|[[Pratas Island]]}} [[File:Blue_pog.svg|8px]] {{color|blue|[[Taiping Island]]}} [[File:Green_pog.svg|8px]] {{color|green|[[Kaohsiung]]}}
|places=
|places=
{{Location map~ | South China Sea |lat=20.703572 |long=116.727538 |label= [[Pratas Islands]] | mark= Red pog.svg |marksize=6 |position=left }}
{{Location map~ | South China Sea |lat=20.703572 |long=116.727538 |label= [[Pratas Island]] | mark= Red pog.svg |marksize=6 |position=left }}
{{Location map~ | South China Sea |lat=10.377220 |long=114.366390 |label= [[Taiping Island]] | mark= Blue pog.svg |marksize=6 |position=left }}
{{Location map~ | South China Sea |lat=10.377220 |long=114.366390 |label= [[Taiping Island]] | mark= Blue pog.svg |marksize=6 |position=left }}
{{Location map~ | South China Sea |lat=22.633333 |long=120.266667 |label= [[Kaohsiung]] | mark= Green pog.svg |marksize=6 |position=left }}
{{Location map~ | South China Sea |lat=22.633333 |long=120.266667 |label= [[Kaohsiung]] | mark= Green pog.svg |marksize=6 |position=left }}
}}
}}
<!-- South China Sea -->
<!-- South China Sea -->
| native name = {{nobold|{{lang|zh-tw|東沙群島}}}}
| native name = {{nobold|{{lang|zh-tw|東沙島}}}}
| native name link =
| native name link =
| other_names = Tungsha Islands<br />Dongsha Islands
| other_names = Tungsha Island<br />Dongsha Island
| location = [[South China Sea]]
| location = [[South China Sea]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|20|42|08|N|116|43|39|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|20|42|08|N|116|43|39|E|display=inline,title}}
| archipelago =
| archipelago =
| total islands = 1<ref name="lungtsunni"/>{{rp|13}}<ref name="oneisland">{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3105930/hong-kong-blocks-taiwan-reaching-disputed-pratas-islands|title=Hong Kong blocks Taiwan from reaching disputed Pratas Islands, saying airspace around disputed territory is closed ‘until further notice’|date=17 October 2020|accessdate=1 November 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028162536/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3105930/hong-kong-blocks-taiwan-reaching-disputed-pratas-islands|archivedate=28 October 2020|url-status=live|website=[[South China Morning Post]]<!--|quote=The Pratas Islands, known as the Dongsha Islands in Chinese and located within Hong Kong airspace, comprise one island, two coral reefs and two banks. Hidden because it is not clear that the Pratas Islands are actually located within Hong Kong airspace. Included for the reference of future editors.-->|author=Danny Lee}}</ref><ref name="USStateDept">{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/57674.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715092100/https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/57674.pdf|archivedate=15 July 2020|url-status=live|date=November 15, 2005|accessdate=July 1, 2012|title=Limits in the Seas - No. 127 Taiwan's Maritime Claims|publisher=United States Department of State|quote=The Pratas Reef lies 230 miles to the southwest of the southern tip of Taiwan.26 It consists of an island in the mouth of a semicircular shoal open to the west. The segments D1-D4 close the mouth by connecting the headlands of the shoal with the island.}}</ref><ref name="unitednations"/><ref name="ourisland"/><ref name="heinzig">{{cite book|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP08C01297R000300180013-8.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122061020/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP08C01297R000300180013-8.pdf|archivedate=22 January 2017|url-status=live|title=Disputed Islands in the South China Sea|author=Dieter Heinzig|date=1976|ISBN=3-447-01804-6|pages=14,19,32,56}} p.14: "Strictly speaking, only one of the four controversial archipelagos may truly be referred to as a group of islands: the Paracels. The Pratas consist of one island and two sands."</ref>
| total islands = 1
| major islands = Pratas Island
<!--| major islands = Pratas Island-->
| area = {{convert|174|ha|2|abbr=on}} (land), {{convert|64|ha|2|abbr=on}} (lagoon)<ref name=nthuPratasIs/><ref name="lungtsunni">{{cite book|script-title=zh:東沙群島-東沙島紀事集錦|ISBN=957-98189-0-8|publisher=[[:zh:臺灣綜合研究院|臺灣綜合研究院]]|language=zh-tw<!--,en-->|location=[[Taipei]]|date=1998|author=Lung Tsun-Ni {{lang|zh-tw|龍村倪}}}}</ref>{{rp|5}}
| area = {{convert|174|ha|2|abbr=on}} (land), {{convert|64|ha|2|abbr=on}} (lagoon)<ref name=nthuPratasIs/><ref name="lungtsunni">{{cite book|script-title=zh:東沙群島-東沙島紀事集錦|url=http://vm.nthu.edu.tw/np/vc/theme/pratas/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130022327/http://vm.nthu.edu.tw/np/vc/theme/pratas/|archive-date=30 January 2009|ISBN=957-98189-0-8|publisher=[[:zh:臺灣綜合研究院|臺灣綜合研究院]]|language=zh-tw<!--,en-->|location=[[Taipei]]|date=1998|author=Lung Tsun-Ni {{lang|zh-tw|龍村倪}}}} p.13: "東沙島為東沙群島唯一島嶼" (Translation: Pratas Island is the only island in the Pratas Islands)</ref>{{rp|5}}
| length = {{convert|2.8|km|mi}}
| length = {{convert|2.8|km|mi}}
| width = {{convert|0.865|km|mi}}
| width = {{convert|0.865|km|mi}}
Line 37: Line 37:
| country claim = {{PRC}}
| country claim = {{PRC}}
| country claim divisions title = [[Provinces of China|Province]]<br />[[Prefecture-level city]]<br />[[District (China)|District]]
| country claim divisions title = [[Provinces of China|Province]]<br />[[Prefecture-level city]]<br />[[District (China)|District]]
| country claim divisions = [[Guangdong]]<br />[[Shanwei]] (Swabue)<br /><br />[[Chengqu, Shanwei|Chengqu]]<ref name="chengqu"/><ref name="INR"/>{{rp|10<!--page 13/28 in the pdf-->}}
| country claim divisions = [[Guangdong]]<br />[[Shanwei]] (Swabue)<br /><br />[[Chengqu, Shanwei|Chengqu]]<ref>{{cite map|url=http://nr.gd.gov.cn/attachment/0/328/328278/2265301.jpg|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707201843/http://nr.gd.gov.cn/attachment/0/328/328278/2265301.jpg|archivedate=7 July 2020|date=30 June 2018|language=zh-hans|script-title=zh:城区地图|website=Department of Natural Resources of Guangdong Province {{lang|zh-hans|广东省自然资源厅}}|author={{lang|zh-hans|广东省国土资源厅}}|via=[[Internet Archive]]|quote={{lang|zh-hans|东沙群岛{...}北卫滩{...}南卫滩{...}东沙岛{...}东沙礁}}}}</ref>
| population =
| population =
| population as of =
| population as of =
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[[File:Karta CN SouthChinaSea.PNG|thumb|South China Sea]]
[[File:Karta CN SouthChinaSea.PNG|thumb|South China Sea]]


'''Pratas Island'''<ref name="INR"/>{{rp|i<!--page 1/28 in the pdf-->}}<ref name="thediplomat"/><ref name="GNISpratasisland">{{GEOnet2|32FA8831BDBF3774E0440003BA962ED3|Pratas Island (Approved - N)}}, [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency|United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]]</ref> is an island<ref name="lungtsunni"/>{{rp|13}}<ref name="oneisland"/><ref name="USStateDept"/><ref name="heinzig"/> in the northern part of the [[South China Sea]] administered as part of [[Cijin District]], [[Kaohsiung]], [[Taiwan|Republic of China (Taiwan)]]. It is located about {{convert|170|nmi}} southeast of [[Hong Kong]].<ref name=nthuPratasIs>[http://vm.nthu.edu.tw/southsea/english.east.htm Pratas Islands] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806025508/http://vm.nthu.edu.tw/southsea/english.east.htm |date=2012-08-06 }}, vm.nthu.edu.tw</ref><ref name=fas>[https://www.fas.org/irp/world/taiwan/facility/pratas.htm Pratas Island Airfield], Federation of American Scientists, www.fas.org</ref> It has an area of about {{convert|240|ha}}, including {{convert|64|ha}} of [[lagoon]], and is the largest of the [[South China Sea Islands]].<ref>Note that [[Woody Island, South China Sea|Woody Island]] in the [[Paracel Islands]] has a land area of 210 ha, which is greater than Pratas Island's 240-64=176 ha. Also, the PRC's land reclamation activities during 2014 & 2015 have created an "island" of ~230 ha at [[Fiery Cross Reef]].</ref> It is the location of the [[Dongsha Airport]].
The '''Pratas Islands'''<ref name="lungtsunni"/>{{rp|7}}<ref name="mofa2015"/><ref name="natparks"/><ref name="edmonds">{{cite book
|url=https://archive.org/details/changinggeograph0000unse/
|year=1992
|title=The Changing Geography of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau
|author=Richard Louis Edmonds
|series=The Changing Geography of Asia
|editor1=Graham P. Chapman |editor2=Kathleen M. Baker
|publisher=[[Routledge]]
|isbn=0-415-05707-8
|page=[https://archive.org/details/changinggeograph0000unse/page/160/ 160]
|quote=Since 1949, Taiwan has remained under Nationalist (Kuomintang) control ... In addition, the Nationalists maintain garrisons and weather stations in the South China Sea on T'ai-p'ing Island in the Nansha or Spratly Islands and in the Tungsha or Pratas Islands (see Figure 6.1).}}</ref> ({{zh<!--|s=东沙群岛-->|t={{linktext|東沙群島}}|poj=Tang-soa Kûn-tó|p=Dōngshā Qúndǎo}}), also known as the '''Tungsha Islands'''<ref name="mofa2015">{{cite web|url=https://www.mofa.gov.tw/en/News_Content.aspx?n=0E7B91A8FBEC4A94&sms=220E98D761D34A9A&s=EDEBCA08C7F51C98|title=Statement on the South China Sea|date=7 July 2015|accessdate=7 July 2020|website=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Taiwan)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]]}}</ref><ref name="edmonds"/><ref name="A-píⁿ"/><ref>{{cite book|url=https://www.roc-taiwan.org/public/WTO_localNews/6610373071.pdf|title=The Republic of China at a Glance|date=May 2016|accessdate=7 July 2020|website=ROC Embassies and Missions Abroad|pages=4,7,8|isbn=978-986-03-2703-8}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boca.gov.tw/cp-220-1975-e0296-2.html|title=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) reiterates that the Nansha Islands, the Shisha Islands, the Chungsha Islands and the Tungsha Islands, as well as their surrounding waters, sea beds and subsoil, are all an inherent part of the territory of the Republic of China (Taiwan).}}</ref><ref name="districtcourt"/> or '''Dongsha Islands'''<ref name="natparks">{{cite web|url=https://np.cpami.gov.tw/news/274-english/news/dongsha.html|title=Dongsha|accessdate=29 August 2020|website=National Parks of Taiwan|quote=This cross-domain cooperation effectively implemented the rat extermination program, and 721 mice were caught on the Dongsha Islands (Pratas Islands) in just one month.}}</ref>, are three [[atoll]]s (Pratas Atoll, North Vereker Atoll and South Vereker Atoll) in the north of the [[South China Sea]] administered as part of [[Cijin District]] (Qijin), [[Kaohsiung]], [[Taiwan|Republic of China (Taiwan)]]. They consist of one island, two coral reefs and two banks, and are located about {{convert|170|nmi}} southeast of [[Hong Kong]].<ref name=nthuPratasIs>[http://vm.nthu.edu.tw/southsea/english.east.htm Pratas Islands] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806025508/http://vm.nthu.edu.tw/southsea/english.east.htm |date=2012-08-06 }}, vm.nthu.edu.tw</ref><ref name=fas>[https://www.fas.org/irp/world/taiwan/facility/pratas.htm Pratas Island Airfield], Federation of American Scientists, www.fas.org</ref> In 2007, the [[Dongsha Atoll National Park]] was established in the islands. The [[China|People's Republic of China]] claims them as part of [[Guangdong|Guangdong Province]].


There are three undersea features in the waters associated with Pratas Island- Pratas Atoll, North Vereker Bank ([[:zh:北衛灘|北衛灘]]) and South Vereker Bank ([[:zh:南衛灘|南衛灘]]).<ref name="lungtsunni"/>{{rp|8,9}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ws.nmmba.gov.tw/Download.ashx?u=LzAwMS9VcGxvYWQvT2xkRmlsZV9QdWJsaWNhdGlvbi9Qb3J0YWxzLzAvUHVibGljYXRpb24vTVAvMjAxMi0tUDI1LTMyLnBkZg%3D%3D&n=MjAxMi0tUDI1LTMyLnBkZg%3D%3D&icon=..pdf|title=Species composition and sizes of fish in the lagoon of Dongsha Island (Pratas Island), Dongsha Atoll of the South China Sea|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101001822/https://ws.nmmba.gov.tw/Download.ashx?u=LzAwMS9VcGxvYWQvT2xkRmlsZV9QdWJsaWNhdGlvbi9Qb3J0YWxzLzAvUHVibGljYXRpb24vTVAvMjAxMi0tUDI1LTMyLnBkZg%3D%3D&n=MjAxMi0tUDI1LTMyLnBkZg%3D%3D&icon=..pdf|archivedate=31 October 2020|via=[[Internet Archive]]|page=26|url-status=live|website=[[National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium]]|authors=Chih-Wei Chang, Chao-Sheng Huang and Shao-I Wang}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | language = zh-cn | publisher = [[:zh:中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所|中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所]] | script-title = zh:南海诸岛 | url = http://www.igsnrr.ac.cn/kxcb/dlyzykpyd/zgdl/zghayjh/200703/t20070326_2154925.html | date = 2007-03-26 | accessdate = 2011-10-13 | archive-date = 2014-07-14 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140714171755/http://www.igsnrr.ac.cn/kxcb/dlyzykpyd/zgdl/zghayjh/200703/t20070326_2154925.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="cihai"/> The Pratas atoll is circular, with Pratas Island in the western part of the atoll. North Vereker Bank rises to {{convert|11|m}} below sea level, and South Vereker Bank to {{convert|57|m}} below sea level, northwest ({{coord|21|N|116|E|display=inline}}) of Pratas Island.
'''Pratas Island''' is the only island and area above sea level. It has an area of about {{convert|240|ha}}, including {{convert|64|ha}} of [[lagoon]], and is the largest of the [[South China Sea Islands]].<ref>Note that [[Woody Island, South China Sea|Woody Island]] in the [[Paracel Islands]] has a land area of 210 ha, which is greater than Pratas Island's 240-64=176 ha. Also, the PRC's land reclamation activities during 2014 & 2015 have created an "island" of ~230 ha at [[Fiery Cross Reef]].</ref> It is the location of the [[Dongsha Airport]].


There are numerous oil wells to the west of the banks.<ref>[http://www.oceangrafix.com/chart/zoom?chart=93006 Nautical Chart 93006], [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]], via www.oceangrafix.com</ref> In 2007, the [[Dongsha Atoll National Park]] was established on the island. The [[China|People's Republic of China]] claims the island, atoll and banks as part of [[Guangdong|Guangdong Province]].
The Pratas atoll is circular, with Pratas Island at the west of the atoll, and two large submerged coral reefs around the edge of most of the rest of the atoll.

The North Vereker Bank and South Vereker Bank are adjacent to each other about {{convert|40|nmi}} to the northwest of the Pratas atoll at {{coord|21|N|116|E|display=inline}}.
North Vereker Bank rises to {{convert|11|m}} below sea level, and South Vereker Bank to {{convert|57|m}} below sea level. There are numerous oil wells to the west of the banks.<ref>[http://www.oceangrafix.com/chart/zoom?chart=93006 Nautical Chart 93006], [[National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency]], via www.oceangrafix.com</ref>


== Name ==
== Name ==

Revision as of 04:10, 2 November 2020

"Dongsha" redirects here. For other uses, see Dongsha (disambiguation).
Pratas Island
Map
Other namesTungsha Island
Dongsha Island
Geography
LocationSouth China Sea
Coordinates20°42′08″N 116°43′39″E / 20.70222°N 116.72750°E / 20.70222; 116.72750
Administration
Stele erected on Pratas Island by the ROC Ministry of the Interior
USS Frank Knox aground on Pratas Reef 1965
South China Sea

Pratas Island[10]: i [11][12] is an island[1]: 13 [2][3][6] in the northern part of the South China Sea administered as part of Cijin District, Kaohsiung, Republic of China (Taiwan). It is located about 170 nautical miles (310 km; 200 mi) southeast of Hong Kong.[7][13] It has an area of about 240 hectares (590 acres), including 64 hectares (160 acres) of lagoon, and is the largest of the South China Sea Islands.[14] It is the location of the Dongsha Airport.

There are three undersea features in the waters associated with Pratas Island- Pratas Atoll, North Vereker Bank (北衛灘) and South Vereker Bank (南衛灘).[1]: 8, 9 [15][16][17] The Pratas atoll is circular, with Pratas Island in the western part of the atoll. North Vereker Bank rises to 11 metres (36 ft) below sea level, and South Vereker Bank to 57 metres (187 ft) below sea level, northwest (21°N 116°E / 21°N 116°E / 21; 116) of Pratas Island.

There are numerous oil wells to the west of the banks.[18] In 2007, the Dongsha Atoll National Park was established on the island. The People's Republic of China claims the island, atoll and banks as part of Guangdong Province.

Name

The English name of the island derives from the Portuguese Ilhas das Pratas ("Silver Plate Islands"), which was given to the atoll in the 16th century owing to its round shape.[citation needed]

Tungsha Island[19][20][21][22] (Chinese: 東沙島; pinyin: Dōngshā Dǎo; Wade–Giles: Tung1-sha1 Tao3) is the Wade-Giles-derived romanization of the Mandarin Chinese name for the island, and Dongsha Island[23] is the pinyin-derived name.

The area including the island, atoll and banks is also called the Pratas Islands[1]: 7 [2][24][25][26] (Chinese: 東沙群島; pinyin: Dōngshā Qúndǎo; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tang-soa Kûn-tó; lit. 'East Sand Islands'[10]: 17 ), the Tungsha Islands[24][26][21][27][28][19] and the Dongsha Islands[2][25]. Pratas Island is the only island;[1]: 13 [2][3][4][5] there is no group of islands.[6]

History

The East Indiaman Earl Talbot was wrecked on Pratas Island on or about 22 October 1800 with the loss of all aboard. At the time the island was known to British sailors as "Perates". Then the British screw sloop HMS Reynard wrecked in 1851 while going to the aid of another wrecked vessel; the crew were all saved.[29]

In 1859-1861 there was a correspondence between the British Colonial Office and the Hong Kong colonial authorities about building a lighthouse on the main island on the atoll. Despite an offer by a British businessman in Xiamen (Amoy) to build it, it was decided that the cost was too great and the matter lapsed. It is clear from the correspondence that no one supposed the atoll to be a part of any known jurisdiction, which might have required negotiations to be conducted to ensure that construction would be legal.[30]

One consequence of this initiative was that in 1858 the Royal Navy survey ship HMS Saracen completed the first detailed survey of the atoll, resulting in the Plan of the Pratas Reef and Island, J. Richards and others, April 1858 being published by the British Admiralty.[31] On the resulting chart three positions are proposed for a lighthouse, on Pratas Island, on the north-east corner and on the southern edge near where HMS Reynard had stranded. In the north-east corner of the lagoon the chart notes "Anchorage for junks" indicating regular use by fishing and other small vessels taking shelter. The chart's rubric noted that the available safe draft for vessels entering was only 15 feet (4.6m), so restricted to only relatively small vessels.

In 1866, Cuthbert Collingwood (naturalist) visited Pratas Island. He later published a description of the island.[32]

In 1908-1909 a Japanese businessman named Nishizawa Yoshizi (西澤吉次) established a guano collecting station, destroyed the Dawang Joss House (大王庙), and dug up graves and poured the bone ashes of Chinese fishermen into the sea there, and renamed the atoll "Nishizawa Island",[33][34] but after a diplomatic confrontation, Chinese sovereignty was re-established, and Nishizawa withdrew, after being compensated by the Guangdong provincial government, and after paying compensation for the destruction of a Chinese fishermen's shrine.[35]

Japanese naval personnel occupied Pratas Island during World War II. The Japanese Navy used the island as a weather station and listening outpost. On May 29, 1945 at 10:22 AM, a landing party consisting of Australian commandos and US naval personnel from the submarine USS Bluegill raised the US flag, declared the island a United States territory, and named it Bluegill Island. The landing party destroyed a radio tower, weather station, fuel and ammunition dumps, and several buildings. They encountered no resistance, since the Japanese had left the island prior to Bluegill's arrival.[36][37][38]

Pratas Island was later restored to the Republic of China's Guangdong Province.[39] On September 12, 1946, the navy of the Republic of China took over and garrisoned Pratas Island.[1]: 10, 13, 15, 23 [40]

In Autumn 1954, Chiang Ching-kuo visited the island and made an inspection.[40]

While underway in the South China Sea on 18 July 1965, the USS Frank Knox ran aground on Pratas Reef, and was only freed on 24 August after a very difficult salvage effort.[41]

On April 13, 1996, the jurisdiction of Taiwan Kaohsiung District Court was extended to include Tungsha Island (Pratas Island).[19]

In May 1999, Kaohsiung Mayor Frank Hsieh visited the island and hung an address plate on the island’s fishing service station.[42] On December 21, 2000, President Chen Shui-bian visited the island with Kaohsiung Mayor Frank Hsieh.[43][21] On July 28, 2005, President Chen Shui-bian visited the island again and inaugurated the Fifth Maritime Patrol Squad of the Coast Guard Administration.[21]

In January 2007, the Taiwanese government designated the Pratas atoll as the Dongsha Atoll National Park, the first marine national park in Taiwan.[44]

In September 2020, China conducted air drills over the waters between the main island of Taiwan and Pratas Island that intruded into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone. The planes were issued radio warnings by the Taiwanese military until the planes left.[11]

Geography

Map of Tung-sha Tao (Pratas Island) (NAVOCEANO, 1969)
Map including Pratas Reef, Pratas Island and surrounding region from the International Map of the World (AMS, 1955)
Map including Pratas Island (NIMA, 2000)

Pratas Island is located 444 km (276 mi) from the rest of Kaoshiung[42], 850 kilometres (530 miles) southwest of Taipei, 320 kilometres (200 miles) southeast of Hong Kong[8] and 260 km (160 mi) south of Shantou, Guangdong[17] in the northern part of the South China Sea (20°43′N 116°42′E / 20.717°N 116.700°E / 20.717; 116.700).

Pratas Island is 2.8 km (1.7 mi) long and 0.865 km (0.537 mi) wide; it is the only feature of the group above sea level. The island is made up of coral atolls and reef flats. Brush, vines and bushes cover some of the island - the rest is white sand. Flora and fauna on and around Pratas Island include:[citation needed]

In the Journal of Science (April 1867) there is a nine-page article entitled "The Natural History of Pratas Island in the China Sea" by Dr. Cuthbert Collingwood, the naturalist on board HMS Serpent. It describes what was observed, especially bird life, during a visit of two days while the survey ship lay at anchor. Collingwood explored the island on 30 April 1866.[32]

North and South Vereker Banks are under water.[45]

There are also some seamount formations nearby which are not part of the three atolls:[citation needed]

  • Jianfeng Seamount (尖峰海山)
  • Maojia Seamount (芼架海山)
  • Beipo Seamount (北波海山)

Politics and government

The island is part of the Republic of China (Taiwan) with the postal code 817. Although there are no long term inhabitants on the island, Pratas is administered by the Kaohsiung City Government under Cijin District (Qijin). The island has been uninhabited, yet nations (including China and Japan) have claimed them to be their overseas territory. After World War II, the island and the sea around it was mandated by United Nations.[citation needed]

Cross-Strait relations

The People's Republic of China claims Pratas Island as part of Chengqu, Shanwei (Swabue), Guangdong Province.[9][10]: 10 

According to an anonymous PLA source, plans created around 2010 by China for an air defence identification zone in the South China Sea include Pratas Island airspace.[46]

Pratas Island settlement

As an island with no permanent inhabitants, it is visited largely by fishermen, military personnel and researchers. Amateur radio operators participating in the DXCC and Islands on the air awards programs also visit occasionally.[47]

Landmarks

An obelisk was erected after 1946.[citation needed]

In 1954 the ROC Government personnel stationed on Pratas erected a stone tablet on the southern side of the island, facing the ocean.[48]

The Da Wang temple is dedicated to 'Kuang Kang' and 'The South China Sea Goddess' - Mazu. It is said[by whom?] that the statue of Guan Gong came to Pratas Island on a canoe in 1948. The soldiers on Pratas Island built a temple to worship her in 1975. Today,[when?] the canoe is still kept in the temple. The joss sticks and candles are donated by soldiers, as was the golden sign hung in front of the statue. There is an 'Ever Green' pavilion in front of the temple which was also built by the soldiers. It is the most verdant place on the island.[48]

The Minister for Internal Affairs of the ROC erected the South China Sea Defense stone tablet to declare Republic of China sovereignty in 1989.[48]

In July 1991 the Kaohsiung City Government erected the Pratas Island measuring memorial stone tablet as a symbol that Pratas Island falls within the jurisdiction of Kaohsiung City.[48] Within Kaohsiung, the island belongs to Cijin District (Qijin).

The ROC Government established the Triangulation Benchmark as the triangulation point for Pratas Island in December 1991. There are words on each side of the base of the triangulation point stone tablet. They read 'The Pratas Triangulation Point' on the front, and 'Longitude: 116o 43" 42.5601'E, Latitude: 20o 42' 6.2415'N, Height: 2.4875 meters.' The words 'Defend the South China Sea', written by the commander, Lo Ben Li, were also engraved on the stone tablet. The National Tsing Hua University webpage about the island states: "In addition to making it more convenient to survey and draw navigational maps, and to construct and develop facilities on the island, the establishment of the triangulation point is also the basis of our sovereign rights."[48]

Public buildings

The library is located on one side of the main plaza, and is the center for soldiers to obtain spiritual nourishment. The library contains more than two thousand books.[48]

The ROC area code for Pratas is 817, and the military post office is Office No. 67. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications issued the 'South China Sea Islands Map Stamps' in 1996, as a set of two stamps. The inscription 'South China Sea Defense' from the national stone tablet on Pratas Island was printed on the five-dollar stamp, and the 'Defend the South China Sea' inscription from the national stone tablet on Taiping Island was printed on the seventeen-dollar stamp. The background was the south China coastline, Taiwan and Hainan Island with the blue sky and sea. This was the first time that the ROC had issued stamps with the theme of the South China Sea.[48]

In 1987 the military and civilian occupants built the 'Pratas Fishermen's Service Station'. The station was built in traditional Chinese courtyard house style, and provides convenient services for fishermen and boats in the South China Sea, insuring the fishermen's safety and upholding ROC sovereignty. The services provided include lodging, medical rescue, entertainment and supply. The station also provides lodging for the scientists who come to conduct research on the island.[48]

In 2012 National Sun Yat-sen University's Dongsha Atoll Research Station (DARS) was established for biology, biogeochemistry, and oceanography research.[49]

Energy

Diesel-fueled generators are used to power the island. In March 2016, a solar energy system built by the Coast Guard Administration went into operation. The system covers an area of 310.6 m2 and produces 53,200 kWh of electricity each year.[50]

Transportion

The Dongsha Island Airport features a runway located on the north end of Pratas Island with a small airport terminal at the eastern end. The airport is used by the ROC military. A main shack and subordinate shack are located on the southeast end of the island. There are no refueling facilities.

Two piers on the southeast shore allow for small watercraft to land.

  • Lagoon
    Lagoon
  • Airport
    Airport
  • Hospital
    Hospital
  • Beach
    Beach

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Lung Tsun-Ni 龍村倪 (1998). 東沙群島-東沙島紀事集錦 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Taipei: 臺灣綜合研究院. ISBN 957-98189-0-8. Archived from the original on 30 January 2009. p.13: "東沙島為東沙群島唯一島嶼" (Translation: Pratas Island is the only island in the Pratas Islands)
  2. ^ a b c d e Danny Lee (17 October 2020). "Hong Kong blocks Taiwan from reaching disputed Pratas Islands, saying airspace around disputed territory is closed 'until further notice'". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 28 October 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  3. ^ a b c "Limits in the Seas - No. 127 Taiwan's Maritime Claims" (PDF). United States Department of State. November 15, 2005. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 July 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2012. The Pratas Reef lies 230 miles to the southwest of the southern tip of Taiwan.26 It consists of an island in the mouth of a semicircular shoal open to the west. The segments D1-D4 close the mouth by connecting the headlands of the shoal with the island.
  4. ^ a b Dong Manh Nguyen (December 2005). "Settlement of disputes under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea The case of the South China Sea dispute" (PDF). p. 8. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 July 2009.
  5. ^ a b 【海洋研究】東沙二十part1：擁有世界級珊瑚生態的神秘東沙島在哪裡？(我們的島 第933集 2017-12-04). Our Island (我們的島) (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Public Television Service. 11 December 2017. Event occurs at 8:20. Retrieved 1 November 2020 – via YouTube. 東沙島則是唯一突出水面的島嶼
  6. ^ a b c Dieter Heinzig (1976). Disputed Islands in the South China Sea (PDF). pp. 14, 19, 32, 56. ISBN 3-447-01804-6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 January 2017. p.14: "Strictly speaking, only one of the four controversial archipelagos may truly be referred to as a group of islands: the Paracels. The Pratas consist of one island and two sands."
  7. ^ a b Pratas Islands Archived 2012-08-06 at the Wayback Machine, vm.nthu.edu.tw
  8. ^ a b 東沙環礁國家公園簡 [Dongsha Atoll National Park - Introduction]. Marine National Park Headquarters (海洋國家公園管理處) (in Chinese (Taiwan) and English). Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. 東沙環礁位於南海北部海域，東北距高雄450公里，西北距香港320公里，西南距海南島榆林670公里，南距南沙太平島1,190公里，東南離馬尼拉780公里；行政區域隸屬高雄市旗津區。{...}Dongsha Atoll located in the northern South China Sea is 450 km southwest of Kaohsiung, 320 km southeast of Hong Kong, 670 km northeast of [Yulin on] Hainan Island, 1,190 km north of Taiping Island, [and] 780 km northwest of Manila. Administratively, it is under the Cijin District of Kaohsiung.
  9. ^ a b 广东省国土资源厅 (30 June 2018). 城区地图 (Map). Department of Natural Resources of Guangdong Province 广东省自然资源厅 (in Simplified Chinese). Archived from the original on 7 July 2020 – via Internet Archive. 东沙群岛{...}北卫滩{...}南卫滩{...}东沙岛{...}东沙礁
  10. ^ a b c d "SOUTH CHINA SEA: UP FOR GRABS" (PDF). Bureau of Intelligence and Research. 14 September 1971. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 January 2017. p.10: "Pratas Reef (Tung-sha Ch'un-tao){...}The PRC lays claim to the reef by virtue of its assertion that it is the only China."
  11. ^ a b Steven Stashwick (11 September 2020). "Chinese Jets Intrude Taiwan Air Defense Zone for Second Day". The Diplomat. Archived from the original on 11 September 2020.
  12. ^ Pratas Island (Approved - N) at GEOnet Names Server, United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  13. ^ Pratas Island Airfield, Federation of American Scientists, www.fas.org
  14. ^ Note that Woody Island in the Paracel Islands has a land area of 210 ha, which is greater than Pratas Island's 240-64=176 ha. Also, the PRC's land reclamation activities during 2014 & 2015 have created an "island" of ~230 ha at Fiery Cross Reef.
  15. ^ "Species composition and sizes of fish in the lagoon of Dongsha Island (Pratas Island), Dongsha Atoll of the South China Sea" (PDF). National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium. p. 26. Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 October 2020 – via Internet Archive. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; 1 November 2020 suggested (help); Unknown parameter |authors= ignored (help)
  16. ^ 南海诸岛 (in Chinese (China)). 中国科学院地理科学与资源研究所. 2007-03-26. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2011-10-13.
  17. ^ a b 夏征农; 陈至立, eds. (September 2009). 辞海：第六版彩图本 [Cihai (Sixth Edition in Color)] (in Chinese). 上海. Shanghai: 上海辞书出版社. Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. p. 0487. ISBN 9787532628599.
  18. ^ Nautical Chart 93006, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, via www.oceangrafix.com
  19. ^ a b c "History". Taiwan Kaohsiung District Court Republic of China. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011. Retrieved 21 July 2020.
  20. ^ "The ROC Ministry of the Interior released the following press release Dec. 12:ROC Minister of the Interior Chen Wei-zen presides over a ceremony marking the opening of a wharf and lighthouse on Taiping Island, demonstrating the ROC's commitment to making Taiping Island a peaceful and low-carbon island, as well as an ecological reserve, in accordance with the spirit of the South China Sea Peace Initiative". Archived from the original on 20 June 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2020. Tungsha Island
  21. ^ a b c d "President Chen Visits Tungsha Islands". Office of the President Republic of China (Taiwan). 28 July 2005. Archived from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  22. ^ Sovereignty over the Spratly Islands "Tungsha Island"
  23. ^ "Where is Dongsha island? How far is it from Taiwan?". 22 May 2010. Archived from the original on 7 June 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  24. ^ a b "Statement on the South China Sea". Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 7 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  25. ^ a b "Dongsha". National Parks of Taiwan. Retrieved 29 August 2020. This cross-domain cooperation effectively implemented the rat extermination program, and 721 mice were caught on the Dongsha Islands (Pratas Islands) in just one month.
  26. ^ a b Richard Louis Edmonds (1992). Graham P. Chapman; Kathleen M. Baker (eds.). The Changing Geography of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. The Changing Geography of Asia. Routledge. p. 160. ISBN 0-415-05707-8. Since 1949, Taiwan has remained under Nationalist (Kuomintang) control ... In addition, the Nationalists maintain garrisons and weather stations in the South China Sea on T'ai-p'ing Island in the Nansha or Spratly Islands and in the Tungsha or Pratas Islands (see Figure 6.1).
  27. ^ The Republic of China at a Glance (PDF). May 2016. pp. 4, 7, 8. ISBN 978-986-03-2703-8. Retrieved 7 July 2020. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  28. ^ "Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) reiterates that the Nansha Islands, the Shisha Islands, the Chungsha Islands and the Tungsha Islands, as well as their surrounding waters, sea beds and subsoil, are all an inherent part of the territory of the Republic of China (Taiwan)".
  29. ^ "HMS Reynard". William Loney website. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
  30. ^ UK National Archives, CO 129/75, pp.309-316
  31. ^ Biblioteca Digital Hispanica, http://bdh.bne.es/bnesearch/detalle/bdh0000070710
  32. ^ a b Cuthbert Collingwood (1868). Rambles of a Naturalist on the Shores and Waters of the China Sea: being Observations in natural history during a voyage to China, Formosa, Borneo, Singapore, etc., made in Her Majesty's Vessels in 1866 and 1867. John Murray. p. 23.
  33. ^ CCVIC News: "挖我渔民祖坟，并将该岛改名为“西泽岛”。我渔民梁盛等向政府控诉西泽罪行"[dead link]
  34. ^ 地方志[dead link]：“驱逐中国渔民,毁渔船,掘渔民祖坟百余座,拆渔民建的大王庙和兄弟所”
  35. ^ Rhoads, Edward J. M. (1975). China's Republican Revolution: The Case of Kwangtung, 1895-1913. Harvard University Press. pp. 140–141. ISBN 9780674119802.
  36. ^ ISSUU - SS-242_BLUEGILL_Part2 by Richard Pekelney
  37. ^ Feuer, A.B. (2005) Australian Commandos: Their Secret War Against the Japanese in World War II. (Stackpole Books). ISBN 978-0811732949 pp.78-84.
  38. ^ John J. Tkacik, Jr. (5 November 2018). "Stars and Stripes over Pratas Island". Taipei Times. Archived from the original on 8 January 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  39. ^ Sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, The China Post, 22 June 2009
  40. ^ a b 東沙島地方志資源調查委託辦理計畫 成果報告 (PDF). Marine National Park Headquarters 海洋國家公園管理處 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). December 2008. p. 26. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 July 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020. 民國35年（1946年）{...}9月，海軍負責接收東沙島，並設立東沙管理處；東沙氣象台由海軍負責管理。{...}民國43年(1954年){...}秋季,國防部長蔣經國至島上視察.
  41. ^ USS Munsee (ATF-107) and the USS Franx Knox (DD-742), www.navsource.org, accessed 20 January 2016.
  42. ^ a b Huang Tzu-ti (18 May 2020). "Kaohsiung mayor may visit Dongsha Islands to assert Taiwan's sovereignty". Taiwan News. Retrieved 3 August 2020. Located 444 kilometers from Kaohsiung City, the Dongsha, or Pratas, Islands, consist of one island, two coral reefs, and two banks. The islands are administered by Kaohsiung's Cijin District, and Coast Guard personnel are stationed there.
    {...}
    Former Kaohsiung Mayor Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) made a visit to the Dongsha Islands in May of 1999 for the same purpose, when he hung an address plate on the island's fishing service station. Chen Chu (陳菊), his successor, never visited the islands during her 12-year stint.
  43. ^ Hsu, Brian (22 December 2000). "President Chen visits Pratas Islands for first time". Taipei Times. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2019.
  44. ^ 東沙環礁國家公園. 臺灣國家公園 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 內政部營建署. 2013-09-11. Retrieved 2016-05-15. 東沙國家公園成立於2007年1月，
  45. ^ Vereker Banks (Approved - N) at GEOnet Names Server, United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency "Feature Class (Code): Undersea (U)"
  46. ^ Minnie Chan (31 May 2020). "Beijing's plans for South China Sea air defence identification zone cover Pratas, Paracel and Spratly islands, PLA source says". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 28 June 2020.
  47. ^ "BQ9P, BV9P Pratas Island : Club Log support staffed by volunteers". clublog.freshdesk.com.
  48. ^ a b c d e f g h From Taiwan's National Tsing Hua University's "Discovering the South China Sea" article. "Pratas Island". Archived from the original on 2013-03-13. Retrieved 2013-03-13.
  49. ^ Dongsha Atoll Research Station, National Sun Yat-sen University
  50. ^ "Taiwan activates solar energy system on Dongsha Island | Society | FOCUS TAIWAN - CNA ENGLISH NEWS". focustaiwan.tw.
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