“PHILIPPINES ACCUSES CHINA: MASSIVE CLAM LOSS IN DISPUTED AREA”

Why in the news?

  • The Philippines accused Chinese fishermen of causing a massive loss of giant clams at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea.
  • The Philippines called for an international inquiry into the environmental damage.

About Scarborough Shoal:

  • Historical Origin: Named after a British ship grounded there centuries ago.
  • Geographical Location: Scarborough Shoal is a rock in the South China Sea, situated about 120 nautical miles west of Luzon, Philippines.
  • Significance: known for rich fish stocks and a protective lagoon.
  • Sovereignty Status: Disputed sovereignty between the Philippines and China, currently effectively controlled by China.
 Source:CNN
About South China sea:

  • Location: Western arm of the Pacific Ocean, borders Southeast Asian mainland.
  • Borders: Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
  • Connections: Linked to the East China Sea via the Taiwan Strait and to the Philippine Sea via the Luzon Strait.
  • Archipelagoes: Spratly Islands, Paracel Islands, Pratas Islands, Macclesfield Bank, and Scarborough Shoal.
  • Scarborough Shoal: Dispute between Philippines and China (Huangyan Island).