In the vast South China Sea, there are countless precious treasures hidden. Recently, China successfully recovered an island with an area of more than 8,400 square kilometers, and not only that, but it is also in an extremely strategic location. Known as the Zhongsha Atoll, the reef is one of the largest atolls in the South China Sea, and although it is submerged by the sea most of the time, its strategic position is of great importance to China.
The Zhongsha Atoll is composed of numerous reefs, shoals and sands, forming an oval structure with a depth of about 76 nautical miles and a width of about 33 nautical miles. Although most parts are submerged, the depth of their inundation is not a problem for land reclamation. It is rich in aquatic resources, and has been the fishing ground of Chinese fishermen since ancient times, and also contains rich oil and gas resources, making it an important strategic base in the South China Sea.
Located in the heart of the South China Sea, Zhongsha Atoll is an unavoidable passage for ships passing through the Strait of Malacca. It is in the center of the South China Sea and has an excellent strategic position that can serve as an important support point for other islands and reefs. Although the Zhongsha Islands are less well-known than the Spratly and Paracel Islands, their strategic importance should not be underestimated.
In terms of safeguarding the sovereignty of the Zhongsha Islands, China has faced challenges from the Philippines and other countries. In particular, in the 2012 Scarborough Shoal incident, the Philippine Navy intruded into the area where Chinese fishing boats were operating and illegally arrested Chinese fishermen, triggering a fierce dispute. Although China has successfully defused this crisis, the Philippines has repeatedly tried to affect the stability of the Zhongsha Islands, posing a threat to our fishermen and territorial sovereignty.
Scarborough Shoal has been China's territory since ancient times and has deep historical roots. In 1935, China approved Nanhai Zhudao to include Huangyan Dao. In 1977, China conducted a scientific survey of Scarborough Shoal, and in 1992 raised the five-star red flag on the site. However, the Philippines and other countries have ignored historical facts and tried to challenge China's territorial sovereignty.
The success of recovering Scarborough Shoal means the return of the Zhongsha atoll. How can we make the most of this vast territory and make it a strong support point for China's development in the South China Sea?Land reclamation is a viable option. Drawing on China's successful experience in the Paracel Islands, such as Woody Island and Mischief Island, the annular structure and shallow water area of the Zhongsha Atoll provide good conditions for land reclamation.
With its unique geographical location and abundant resources, Zhongsha Atoll can become a commercial pearl in the South China Sea through rational development and utilization. Reclamation can not only expand the land area, but also build deep-water ports with excellent ports, providing convenient transshipment and replenishment services for ships. In addition, the unique scenery and abundant natural conditions of Zhongsha Atoll are also expected to become a hot spot for tourism.
In the process of building infrastructure, the Sino-Spratly Atoll will become an important transit point between Europe and Asia. Ships transshipment and distribution through here will inject vitality into the global economy. In terms of military strategy, the geographical location of the Zhongsha Atoll makes it a strong support point for China's maritime passage and ensures China's strategic security in the South China Sea.
Overall, the repossession of the Zhongsha Atoll provides new opportunities for the development of the South China Sea. Through scientific land reclamation and comprehensive development, the reef will play a pivotal role in many fields such as commerce, military and tourism. We look forward to the Zhongsha Atoll becoming a shining pearl in the South China Sea in the future and contributing to the take-off of China's economy.