Thitu Island Incident: Renewed Flashpoint in South China Sea Dispute

Why in the News?

A Chinese vessel recently ran aground near Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), which is administered by the Philippines, amid severe weather and shallow waters. The incident prompted a high alert response from Filipino troops stationed on the island, citing potential maritime security threats in the disputed South China Sea (SCS).

This episode comes amid growing tensions between China and the Philippines, particularly over freedom of navigation, sovereignty claims, and military posturing in the resource-rich and strategically vital region.

Background

About Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island)

• Location: South China Sea, part of the Spratly Islands archipelago.
• Alternative Name: Known as Pag-asa Island in the Philippines.

Significance:

• Second-largest naturally occurring island in the Spratlys.
• The largest island occupied by the Philippines in the archipelago.
• Administration: Under Philippine control since 1971.

Inhabitants:

• Civilian settlers since the 1990s.
• Home to a fishing village, a school, a municipal government, and a Philippine military garrison.

Infrastructure:

• Rancudo Airfield
• Lighthouse for navigation
• A harbour that supports local and military logistics

Proximity to China:Only 24–27 km from China’s Subi Reef, where military installations, including a runway and radars, are located.

The Spratly Islands Dispute

Claimants:

• China, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim the entire archipelago.
• Malaysia and the Philippines claim portions of it.

Strategic Importance:

Key sea lanes (1/3 of global shipping passes through the SCS).

• Rich in hydrocarbons, fisheries, and potential undersea mineral resources.
• Military vantage points due to the reef-to-island conversion.

UNCLOS & 2016 Ruling:

• The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled in 2016 against China’s “Nine-Dash Line” claim.

However, China rejected the ruling and continued militarisation.

Challenges

Maritime Tensions and Incursions

• Regular presence of Chinese militia and coast guard ships around Thitu Island.
• Harassment of Filipino fishermen and supply missions by China’s maritime forces.
• Increased risk of accidental clashes due to close naval encounters.

Geopolitical Confrontation

• The island is a flashpoint between the U.S.-backed Philippines and assertive Chinese claims.
• The presence of foreign naval ships, including U.S. freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs), increases great-power competition.

Violation of International Law

• Despite the 2016 PCA ruling, China continues artificial island-building, militarisation, and rejection of international arbitration.

Environmental Degradation

• Coral reefs are being damaged due to reclamation activities and illegal fishing practices.
• Local biodiversity, essential for the livelihood of islanders, is threatened.

Vulnerability to Natural Disasters

• The island is exposed to typhoons, rising sea levels, and cyclonic winds.
• Inadequate disaster preparedness and poor evacuation logistics remain concerns.

Infrastructure Constraints

• Civilian facilities are rudimentary and depend heavily on supply ships.
• Harsh marine conditions and Chinese interference often delay or block resupply missions.

Way Forward

Strengthening Legal and Diplomatic Posture

• The Philippines should continue to reaffirm sovereignty using UNCLOS and PCA rulings as the legal foundation.
• Enhance cooperation through ASEAN, the Quad, and global platforms like the UN and IORA.

Boosting Island Resilience

• Invest in sustainable infrastructure: renewable energy, desalination, and disaster shelters.
• Expand civilian settlement programs and eco-tourism potential under regulated norms.

Defensive Modernisation

• Strengthen surveillance via radar, coastal monitoring, and drone systems.
• Upgrade Rancudo Airfield for better defence preparedness and emergency response.

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA)

• Collaborate with nations like the U.S., Japan, and Australia on intelligence sharing and naval training.
• Use satellite and AI-enabled monitoring for real-time tracking of foreign ships.

Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)

• Initiate Code of Conduct (CoC) negotiations under ASEAN-China frameworks.
• Establish hotlines and naval protocol agreements to prevent clashes and accidental escalation.

Community Empowerment

• Provide education, healthcare, and livelihood support for islanders.
• Promote sustainable fishing practices, marine conservation zones, and participatory governance.

Environmental Safeguarding

• Enforce rules against reef damage, cyanide fishing, and overexploitation.

Partner with international bodies on marine biodiversity protection.

Conclusion

The recent grounding of a Chinese vessel near Thitu Island underscores the fragility and volatility of the South China Sea disputes. As a symbol of sovereignty and resilience, Thitu Island represents the Philippines’ frontline in asserting maritime rights and protecting its people.

While military readiness is essential, a holistic strategy encompassing diplomacy, development, environmental care, and legal assertion is vital for long-term peace and sustainable presence in this strategically contested region.

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION 

Question: Thitu Island has emerged as a flashpoint in the South China Sea dispute. Discuss the strategic importance of the island for the Philippines and analyse the multifaceted challenges involved in maintaining sovereignty over such contested territories.

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION