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Disputed island | |
---|---|
![]() Loaita Island | |
Other names | Kota Island(Philippine English) Pulo ng Kota(Filipino) Đảo Loại Ta(Vietnamese) 南鑰島 / 南钥岛 Nányào Dǎo(Chinese) |
Geography | |
Location | South China Sea |
Coordinates | 10°40′N114°25′E / 10.667°N 114.417°E /10.667; 114.417 (Loaita Island) |
Archipelago | Spratly Islands |
Administration | |
Region | IV-B - MIMAROPA |
Province | Palawan |
Municipality | Kalayaan |
Claimed by | |
Additional information | |
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Loaita Island also known asKota Island (Filipino:Pulo ng Kota;MandarinChinese:南鑰島/南钥岛;pinyin:Nányào Dǎo, andVietnamese:Đảo Loại Ta), with an area of 6.45 hectares (15.9 acres) -- is thetenth largest of the naturally-occurringSpratly Islands, and the fifth largest of the Philippine-occupied islands.[2] It is located just to the west of the northern part ofDangerous Ground, and is 22 miles (35 km) southeast of Philippine-occupiedThitu Island(Pag-asa) and 22 miles (35 km) north-northeast of Taiwan-occupiedItu Aba Island.[3]
The island is administered by thePhilippines as part ofKalayaan, Palawan.
The island is also claimed by thePeople's Republic of China, theRepublic of China (Taiwan) andVietnam.
The island fringes theLoaita Bank,shoals andreefs.[4] Its calcarenite outcrop is visible along its western side at low tide. The present shape of the island indicates sand buildup along its eastern side. The anchor-shaped side will eventually connect with the northern portion as the sand buildup continues, thereby creating another mini-lagoon in the process. The presence of migrating sea birds adds to the highphosphorus content of the island's sand. Occasionally, giant sea turtles lay their eggs on the island. The island is covered with mangrove bushes, above which rise coconut palms and other small trees.
On 22 May 1963, a sovereignty stele was rebuilt on Loaita Island by crew members of the three vessels Huong Giang, Chi Lang and Ky Hoa of theSouth Vietnam.[5]
Several Philippine soldiers have been stationed on the island since 1968 when the Philippines occupied it. There are only a few structures, which serve as shelters for the soldiers.
The soldiers also guard the nearbyLankiam Cay(Panata) which lies about 8 miles (13 km) to the east-northeast. The cay is under observation from a tall structure on the island, and the Philippine soldiers also regularly visit it.
Loaita Nan andLoaita Cay(Melchora Aquino), which are distinct from Kota, lie 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east-northeast. These are unoccupied features, but are alsolargely controlled by the Philippines.
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