Located at the southern tip of China, the South China Sea is the confluence of two oceans, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west. This vast sea stretches about 2,000 kilometers from north to south and 1,000 kilometers wide from east to west, and covers an area of 3.5 million square kilometers. According to the boundary line of China's rights and interests in the South China Sea, the 2.1 million square kilometers of sea area within the line, including more than 230 islands and reefs, belong to China's territory.
The geographical location of the South China Sea makes it a critical passage connecting the two oceans, providing an indispensable transportation base for today's maritime transport. There are at least 37 world's leading shipping routes through this sea area, and according to statistics, more than 40,000 ships pass through the South China Sea every year, of which the traffic of medium and large merchant ships and super tankers accounts for more than half of the world's total shipping. Nearly one-third of the world's shipping routes pass through the South China Sea, making it one of the busiest seas in the world.
For China, the importance of the South China Sea is even more prominent. 60% of China's foreign trade transportation and 80% of energy transportation depend on the South China Sea. It is an important artery of China's economic development and provides a solid support for China's prosperity and stability. The South China Sea is not only an important territorial sea for China, but also a key node for global shipping and shipping.
Taiping Island is a mysterious and beautiful island, it is only 3One nautical mile away, it has been part of our territory since ancient times. It is located in the northwest corner of Zhenghe Reef in the Spratly Islands, and is 16 nautical miles close to Gaven Reef. Taiping Island has a unique shape, like a narrow jade necklace, lying quietly on the blue sea. It has an area of about 043 square kilometers, although not large, carries a rich historical and cultural heritage.
The terrain is flat, like a green satin spreading out on the sea level, and the vertical distance between the highest point and the sea level is only four to six meters. After a series of expansion projects in Taiwan, Taiping Island has expanded significantly, like a green jade inlaid in the rippling blue sea. On the map, we can clearly see that the expanded Taiping Island has undergone significant changes. A unique T-shaped pier is built on the island, which provides a safe place for boats to moor.
In addition to the wharf, Taiping Island also has a complete set of facilities. A long runway stretches to the other end of the island to provide take-off and landing services for aircraft. The island is also equipped with an advanced radar system that monitors the surrounding waters at all times. This radar system not only ensures the safety of the island, but also provides navigation and information services for passing ships.
Taiping Island has a very special geographical location, from which it can affect the South China Sea to the south, and Taiwan Province to the north. And it's not very far from the Philippine island of Palawan, and Second Thomas Shoal is sandwiched between the two. Taiwan even has the idea of leasing Taiping Island to the United States, and once this idea is implemented, the situation in China's South China Sea will usher in more variables, so after the expansion of Taiping Island is completed, the clearing of the South China Sea cannot be delayed.
Enjoy the New Year