The Paracel Islands (Chinese: 西沙群島 in pinyin: xi1 sha1 qun2 dao3; Vietnamese: Hoàng Sa) are a group of small islands and reefs in the South China Sea (South China Sea Islands), about one-third of the way from central Vietnam to the northern Philippines.
The islands have no indigenous inhabitants, though there are Chinese garrisons scattered throughout. Although occupied by the People's Republic of China, they are claimed by the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Vietnam.
Geography: see Geography of the Paracel Islands
Economy: China announced plans in 1997 to open the islands for tourism.
Region name:
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Paracel Islands
Data code: PF
Ports and harbors: small Chinese port facilities on Woody Island and Duncan Island being expanded
Airports: 1 (1999 est.)
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (1999 est.)
See also: Pratas Islands (東沙群島), Macclesfield Bank (中沙群島), Spratly Islands
