Spratly Islands

The Spratly Islands, located in the South China Sea (approx. 115°E 10°N), are uninhabited and disputed between the following countries:

• Brunei (maritime claim)
• China
• Malaysia (partial claim)
• Philippines (partial claim)
• Taiwan
• Vietnam

António Martins, 28 Jul 1999

ISO Code: None
FIPS 10-4 Code: PG
MARC Code: XP
status: disputed territory

In an article entitled "Flags of the South China Sea" by Dr. Whitney Smith (Flag Bulletin, Vol. XVII, No. 6, November-December 1978, pgs 183-191) a complete history of the vexillology of the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands is given. I can but give a brief synopsis.

These islands have been claimed at one time or another by the Philippines, Japan, France, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Vietnam, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Republic of South Vietnam, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of China. Supposedly included in Spanish territory by the 1494