Triton Island


Triton Island is the westernmost and southernmost of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea. It is located on the southwest corner of Triton Reef and has an area of above sea-level. The reef including the island measures about in area. The island is administered by the People's Republic of China, and is also claimed by the Republic of China and Vietnam.
The island was historically known by the Chinese as Bànlù Zhì, and as Luó Dǎo to Chinese fishermen. Other Chinese sources have it named as 南建岛, as it was the southernmost point claimed by China until after 1933. The current Chinese name commemorates the Republic of China Navy warship ROCS Chung-chien sent in 1946 to claim the Paracel Islands.

History

Lacking a native population, ownership of the Paracel Islands has been disputed since the early 20th century. In the aftermath of the First Indochina War, until 1974 Vietnam occupied Pattle Island, approximately northeast. Control has been enforced by the People's Republic of China since the Battle of the Paracel Islands.
In 1973 the cargo ship USNS Sgt. Jack J. Pendleton was abandoned on the reef of Triton Island, having run aground there en route from Vietnam to the Philippines.

Freedom of navigation manoeuvres

On January 30, 2016, the United States warship passed within 12 nautical miles of the island. The Pentagon stated that it had notified none of the three claimants to the island beforehand, and stated the reason for the transit was to protect freedom of navigation, "consistent with international law". The People's Republic of China called the voyage "provocative" and that it "violated relevant Chinese laws by entering Chinese territorial waters without prior permission".
In July 2017, the guided missile destroyer navigated within 12 miles of Triton island as part of a FONOP.
In May 2018, the guided missile destroyer navigated within 12 miles of Triton island as part of a FONOP.