Woody Island (South China Sea) facts for kids
Woody Island, also known as Yongxing Island and Phu Lam Island, is the biggest island in the Paracel Islands. These islands are located in the South China Sea.
The island is currently controlled by the People's Republic of China. It is part of the city of Sansha. Soldiers from the People's Liberation Army are stationed there.
However, Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China) and Vietnam also say that Woody Island belongs to them. This means there is a disagreement over who owns the island.
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About Woody Island
Woody Island is the largest piece of land in the Paracel Islands. It is an important spot because of its size and location in the South China Sea. The island has a small town, a harbor, and an airport.
Where is Woody Island?
Woody Island is found in the South China Sea. This sea is a large part of the Pacific Ocean. It is surrounded by many countries in Southeast Asia. The Paracel Islands are a group of small islands, reefs, and sandbanks in this sea.
Who controls Woody Island?
Today, the People's Republic of China manages Woody Island. They have built different facilities on the island, including buildings and a runway for airplanes. The island is part of Sansha City, which is a special city created by China to govern its claims in the South China Sea.
Why is Woody Island important?
Woody Island is important for a few reasons.
- Location: Its spot in the South China Sea is very strategic. This means it's a good place for ships and planes to stop or operate from.
- Resources: The waters around the Paracel Islands are believed to have oil and natural gas. They also have rich fishing grounds.
- Claims: Because of these reasons, several countries, including China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, all claim that Woody Island and the other Paracel Islands belong to them. These claims lead to ongoing discussions and sometimes disagreements between the countries.
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