Itu Aba is the biggest feature in the Spratly Islands (Nansha Islands, 南沙群島) and is controlled by the Republic of China (ROC). In related news, a coast guard ship yesterday set sail for the South China Sea to patrol Itu Aba and other islands controlled by Taiwan, the CGA said. The Spratlys are claimed whole or in part by Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam Malaysia and Brunei. If the situation changes in South China Sea, Taiwan should pay special attention to movements of China’s People’s Liberation Army forces on Fiery Cross Reef, the official added. Vietnam has stationed 122mm howitzers on Namyit that have a range that covers Itu Aba, while Vietnam last year began dispatching more weapons to Sandy Cay that could threaten it, the official said.

Source: Taipei Times July 10, 2016 15:56 UTC