Mischief Reef (also known as Panganiban Reef in the Philippines, and Meiji Jiao in China) is geographically located within the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
Legal Status and Geopolitical Context
Its position in the Spratly Islands places it at the center of international disputes. A UN tribunal, in a 2016 ruling, determined that Mischief Reef was underwater prior to reclamation activities. This significant judgment therefore classified the reef as falling within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This context underscores its importance not just as a geographic feature but also as a key element in ongoing geopolitical discussions concerning sovereignty and maritime entitlements in the region.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Location | Spratly Islands, South China Sea |
| Other Names | Panganiban Reef (Philippines), Meiji Jiao (China) |
| Legal Status | Ruled part of Philippines' EEZ by a 2016 UN tribunal |
| Geographic Type | Reef (originally underwater before extensive reclamation) |
