Pratas Islands: A New Flashpoint in the South China Sea

News: Experts have warned about a possible Chinese attack to capture Pratas Island in the South China Sea.

Facts:

• Pratas Islands also known as Dongsha Island are located in the northern part of the South China Sea under the jurisdiction of the Republic of China (Taiwan), closer to China’s mainland coast than to the island of Taiwan.

Why China concerns about Pratas Island?

• If China controlled the Pratas Islands, the islands could function as a gatekeeper to monitor U.S. and other countries’ ships and aircraft entering the South China Sea from the Pacific Ocean.