Pratas Island

Pratas Island, also known as Dongsha Island, is a coral island in the northern South China Sea administered by Taiwan. It is the largest island of the Pratas Islands.

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Pratas Atoll: A coral atoll in the northern South China Sea that includes Pratas Island and surrounding reefs. The island is the atoll’s only substantial land area.
Republic of China: A state established in 1912 that governs Taiwan and several outlying islands. Its authorities administer Pratas Island.
Dongsha Atoll National Park: A Taiwanese marine national park established in 2007 to protect the Pratas Atoll and its ecosystems. It includes Pratas Island and the surrounding atoll.
Territorial dispute in the South China Sea: A set of overlapping sovereignty and maritime claims involving states around the South China Sea. Pratas Island is claimed by the People's Republic of China and administered by Taiwan.
Coral island: An island formed largely from coral debris and other carbonate material produced by reef organisms. Pratas Island is low-lying land built from reef-derived material.
People's Republic of China: The state founded in 1949 that governs mainland China and claims Taiwan and nearby territories. It claims Pratas Island, although it does not administer it.
Marine protected area: A geographically defined marine area managed to conserve ecosystems and natural or cultural resources. Protection of the surrounding waters is a central use of the atoll.
Taiwan Strait: A strait separating Taiwan from mainland China and connecting the East China Sea with the South China Sea. Pratas lies south of the strait, along a strategically watched maritime route.
Atoll: A ring-shaped coral reef, island, or chain of islets enclosing a lagoon. Pratas Island sits within an atoll system with a central lagoon.
Coast Guard Administration (Taiwan): Taiwan’s agency responsible for maritime law enforcement and coast guard operations. Taiwanese coast guard personnel maintain a presence on the island.