Travel Notes: Asia - Paracel Islands - Updated 16 July, 2023.
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The Paracel Islands are disputed islands and reefs north of the Equator, and some 375 km east of Da Nang, Vietnam. Tweet
Known as Hoàng Sa in Vietnamese and Xisha in Chinese, the Paracel Islands are a group of islands located east of Vietnam and are currently claimed by both Vietnam and China, as well as Taiwan.
Disputed Islands
You will only get to visit the Paracel Islands if you join the Chinese navy.
Although much nearer to Vietnam than China, the Paracel Islands would probably not change hands without a fight.
North Vietnamese land forces might have held off the Chinese in the past, but a battle in the South China Sea would be costly.
The Chinese have port facilities on Paracel's Woody Island and the base at Duncan Island is being expanded. There is also a paved runway on Woody Island.
Something says that the Chinese want to stay put on the Paracel Islands for the oil reserves beneath the ocean.
The Paracel Islands were part of French Indochina, until the Japanese took hold of them during the Second World War.
Although the Chinese military occupy the Paracel Islands at present, Vietnam and Taiwan both have claims to the territory.
See also Spratly Islands.
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