Q. Consider the following statements about the Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay) in the South China Sea:

1. The Tiexian Reef is located near Thitu Island, which is part of the Philippine territory
2. China claims sovereignty over the Tiexian Reef as part of its broader territorial claim over the South China Sea
3. The Tiexian Reef is uninhabited and has been a site of military conflict between China and the Philippines
4. The Philippines has built a military structure on the Tiexian Reef to assert its claims

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: Only 1 and 2
Notes: The Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay), located near Thitu Island, is a part of the Philippine territory and is claimed by China as part of its larger claim over the South China Sea. However, it is uninhabited and has not seen any military structures built by the Philippines, contradicting Statement 4. No record of military conflict related to the Tiexian Reef between China and the Philippines exists, contradicting Statement 3.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.