what is scarborough shoal

Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, Huangyan Island, Minzhu Jiao, and Panatag Shoal, is a group of two skerries located in the South China Sea, approximately 120 nautical miles west of the Philippine island of Luzon. It is a contested maritime feature and a flashpoint for diplomatic flare-ups over sovereignty and fishing rights. The shoal is named after a British ship that was grounded on the atoll nearly three centuries ago. It is coveted for its bountiful fish stocks and a stunning turquoise lagoon that provides a safe haven for vessels during storms. The area has been the subject of tensions and disputes between China and the Philippines, with both countries asserting historic claims over the shoal. The Philippines has expressed outrage over Chinas activities near the shoal, including the installation of barriers and the presence of Chinese coastguard vessels. The United States has also expressed support for the Philippines in the context of the mutual defense treaty between the two countries.