Paracel Islands Introduction 2001

Background: This archipelago is surrounded by productive fishing grounds and potentially large oil reserves. In 1932, French Indochina annexed the islands and set up a weather station on Prattle Island; maintenance was continued by its successor Vietnam. China has occupied the Paracel Islands since 1974, when its troops captured a South Vietnamese garrison occupying the western islands. However, the islands are still claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

NOTE: The information regarding Paracel Islands on this page is re-published from the 2001 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Paracel Islands Introduction 2001 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Paracel Islands Introduction 2001 should be addressed to the CIA.