The Thitu Island, also known as the Pag-asa Island dispute, is a territorial conflict in the South China Sea. The conflict primarily involved the Philippines, China, and other claimants, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan. The dispute over Thitu Island involves territorial claims and disputes between the China Sea, directly impacting international relations and regional security. Thitu Island, a part of the Spratly Islands, is a bone of contention due to its strategic location and the possibility of resource extraction. 

This topic is related to General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II, which cover initiatives to understand the location, features, and significance of Thitu Island. Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your preparation.

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What is Thitu Island?

Thitu Island in Spratly Island is the second largest naturally occurring island in the Spratly Islands. It lies about 500 kilometers (310 mi) west of Puerto Princesa. Its neighbors are the North Danger Reef to the north, the Subi Reef to the southwest, and the Loaita and Tizard Banks to the south. As the Poblacion (administrative center) of the Kalayaan municipality of Palawan province in the Philippines, it also administers nearly a dozen other islets, cays, and reefs in the Spratly Islands. The island is 270 nautical miles west of Palawan, Philippines.

Location

Thitu Island, the largest Philippine-administered island and the second most significant naturally occurring island in the Spratly Islands, South China Sea, is one of the world's most fiercely disputed maritime locations. It lies about 500 kilometers (310 mi) west of Puerto Princesa. Its neighbors are the North Danger Reef to the north, the Subi Reef to the southwest, and the Loaita and Tizard Banks to the south.

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History

According to Early and colonial history, in June 1763, the British ship Earl Temple sank on the reefs of Thitu Island en route to Manila. Three crew members survived for months on the island, built a raft, and used bird feathers to make a sail. The castaways reached Vietnam, later China, and returned to England.

Thitu Island, in the Spratly Islands, is a debated maritime feature in the South China Sea. It has been under Philippine administration since 1974 and is inhabited by civilians and military personnel. China also claims Thitu Island and much of the surrounding waters. 

Early Inhabitants 

Historical records suggest fishermen from Champa (present-day Vietnam) and China have populated the island. 

French Colonial Period

From 1930 to 1933, French Indochina sent troops to the Spratlys, including Thitu Island, and it was later annexed to Bà Rịa Province.

Philippine Occupation

The Philippines has maintained control of Thitu Island since 1974. The Philippines has occupied Thitu Island since the 1970s, maintaining a civilian population, military presence, and infrastructure like an airstrip and port. It serves as the administrative center of the Kalayaan municipality in Palawan.

Civilian Population

Thitu Island is the only Spratly Island with a permanent civilian settlement, with over 300 residents. 

Strategic Significance

The island's location makes it a key strategic point in the South China Sea dispute, with the Philippines using it to reinforce its sovereignty claims. 

2016 Arbitration Ruling

An international tribunal ruled that China's expansive claims to the South China Sea had no basis under international law. 

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Thitu Island, in the Philippines, is the largest Philippine-occupied island in the Spratly Islands and a focal point in the ongoing South China Sea dispute. The island, claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, has strategic and symbolic significance.

• The Philippines has built infrastructure, including an airstrip and civilian facilities, asserting rule. 
• Chinese vessels often patrol nearby waters, generating tensions.
• Recent developments include diplomatic protests from Manila over Chinese harassment of supply missions and fishermen.
• Thitu Island remains a hotspot of geopolitical conflict in the Spratly region reflecting the broader struggle for power.

Claims

The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Taiwan all claim authority over different islands and reefs in the Spratly Islands, including Thitu Island. 

Strategic Location

The Thitu Island in the Spratly Islands is strategically significant due to its location in the South China Sea, an essential trade route, and an area rich in oil and gas reserves. 

Nine-Dash Line of China

China's claim to extensive portions of the South China Sea, based on the "nine-dash line," has further fueled pressures with neighboring countries. 

Philippine Asserts

The Philippines asserts its claim over Thitu Island based on historical and geographical aspects, claiming it has been under their administration for decades. 

Escalating Tensions

The dispute has resulted in increased naval activity, military drills, and diplomatic protests by China and the Philippines. 

Resource Extraction

The potential for oil and gas resources in the South China Sea adds another layer of complexity to the dispute. 

International Law

The Philippines has cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to support its claims. At the same time, China has rejected the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling on the issue. 

India's Involvement

India's position on the South China Sea dispute is nuanced, as it seeks to balance its strategic interests and relationship with China.

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