SABINA SHOAL

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Context:

China publishes first survey report of disputed South China Sea's Sabina Shoal China publishes first survey report of disputed South China Sea's Sabina Shoal.

About

• Sabina Shoal is part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
• Sabina Shoal is an oceanic coral atoll that developed on top of a seamount in the eastern part of the

• The western part of Sabina Shoal is characterised by a coral ring.
• The eastern half of Sabina Shoal consists of reefs awash.
• The lagoon is characterized by numerous small coral heads and knolls.

Geostrategic Significance:

• Sabina Shoal is strategically located approximately 130 nautical miles west of the Philippine island of Palawan and about 35 nautical miles from Second Thomas Shoal.
• The shoal’s proximity to other disputed areas, such as Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands, enhances its strategic value, making it a potential outpost for military operations and a gateway to other contested territories.

Economic Significance

• The South China Sea is believed to contain vast reserves of oil and natural gas, with estimates ranging from 11 billion to 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
• Sabina Shoal is located near Recto Bank (Reed Bank), an area that is believed to hold substantial reserves of oil and natural gas.

Second Thomas Shoal: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/second-thomas-shoal-18#:~:text=Context%3A%20China%20and%20the%20Philippines,in%20the%20South%20China%20Sea.&text=It%20is%20located%20approximately%20105,EEZ%20(exclusive%20economic%20zone).

South China Sea conflict: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/south-china-sea-conflict

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabina_Shoal

https://cil.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Sabina-Shoal-Final.pdf

https://thepacificreports.com/2024/08/24/the-geostrategic-significance-of-sabina-shoal-a-flashpoint-in-the-south-china-sea-dispute/