Sanzhi

Sanzhi, also known as Sanzhi Island, is a small, uninhabited island located in the South China Sea, approximately 160 kilometers south of Hainan Island, China. The island is part of the Paracel Islands, a group of low-lying coral atolls and reefs that are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. Sanzhi Island is the largest of the Paracel Islands, with an area of about 1.2 square kilometers.

The island is known for its rich biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species found in its mangrove forests and coral reefs. It is also an important site for birdwatching, with over 100 species of birds recorded on the island.

Sanzhi Island has a strategic location in the South China Sea, and its sovereignty is a subject of dispute among China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The island is administered by China, which has established a military presence on the island since 2012. The other claimants have not recognized this administration, and the dispute remains unresolved.

The island is also known for its historical significance. In 1933, the Japanese established a weather station on Sanzhi Island, which was later abandoned. The island has also been used as a base for fishing and other maritime activities.

In recent years, the island has gained international attention due to its strategic importance and the ongoing territorial dispute. The United Nations has called for a peaceful resolution of the dispute, and various diplomatic efforts have been made to address the issue. However, no definitive agreement has been reached, and the situation remains tense.