Tiexian Reef ( UPSC Prelims)

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News Context

 ● China takes control of the contested Tiexian Reef.  
      ○ The reef is located near a significant Philippine military base on Thitu Island.
      ○ Thitu Island is also referred to as Pag-asa Island in the South China Sea.

About Tiexian Reef

 ● Alternate Name: Sandy Cay is a part of the Spratly Islands.  
  ● Significance:  
    ● China's Claim: China asserts that Sandy Cay is a natural feature, not an artificial one, which qualifies it for a 12-nautical-mile (22-km) territorial sea under international law. This claim would overlap with Thitu Island.  
    ● Strategic Advantage: Establishing a territorial sea around Sandy Cay would enhance the strategic position of Subi Reef, a nearby location that China has developed into a reclaimed and militarized deep-water port.