Johnson South Reef, Islet in Nansha District, China.
Johnson South Reef, also known as Chigua Island, is a reef and islet in the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands. The formation features both submerged and above-water areas with distinct geographic characteristics for the region.
The reef was long a natural feature of the Spratly Island group without significant human presence. Beginning in the early 2010s, major construction and infrastructure development transformed its physical landscape significantly.
The name Chigua means Red Melon Island, referring to how the formation appears. Local seafarers also call it Luli, a reference to its tidal patterns.
Visiting this location requires special permits and is subject to strict navigation restrictions for foreign vessels. Travelers should check current access regulations beforehand, as these are regularly updated.
The waters surrounding this formation host diverse marine species, making it particularly valuable for ecological research. This biological richness attracts scientists studying how environmental changes affect ocean ecosystems.
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