News- China has accused the Philippines of an intrusion into the disputed waters of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea (SCS).
About Scarborough Shoal
- It is the largest atoll in the South China Sea, situated about 220 km west of the Philippines.
- While it lies within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, it has been claimed by China as part of its ancestral territory, citing the nine-dash line since the 13th century.
- Marine Significance: The area is known for its rich marine life, including commercially valuable species like shellfish and sea cucumbers, making it a productive fishing ground.
Other Disputed Islands in the South China Sea: Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands are other key areas of dispute in the region.
| South China Sea- It is a marginal sea of the western Pacific Ocean, bordered by several countries, including Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and China |
