Second Thomas Shoal:
China and the Philippines have struck a deal to defuse tensions on a contested Second Thomas shoal in the South China Sea.
- Second Thomas shoal is a submerged reef (locally known as Ayungin) located in the Spratly Islands, South China Sea.
- The Philippines first took possession of the feature in The Philippine outpost on Second Thomas Shoal is the BRP Sierra Madre.
- The Second Thomas Shoal lies about 108 nautical miles (200 km) from the Philippine island of Palawan.
- China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, including the Second Thomas Shoal, based on the historical and controversial Nine-dash line. China’s claims cut into the EEZs of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.
