Scarborough Shoal

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Scarborough Shoal, lagoon and reefs, South China Sea, c.135 mi (220 km) W of Luzon, the Philippines. Claimed by China, the Philippines, and Taiwan, it is called Huangyan Island by China and Panatag Shoal by the Philippines. The surrounding waters have rich fishing grounds, and the seabed is believed to hold substantial mineral resources, including petroleum and natural gas. Numerous Chinese fishermen have been arrested there by the Philippines, and the area was the site of a naval standoff between China and the Philippines in May, 2012.