various lighthouses; stamps: china, 2016

the lighthouses.

• Huayang Jiao Lighthouse (华阳礁灯塔, Cuaerton Reef Lighthouse) [extreme left]
• Chigua Jiao Lighthouse (赤瓜礁灯塔, Johnson South Reef Lighthouse) [2nd from left]
• Zhubi Jiao Lighthouse (渚碧礁灯塔, Subi Reef Lighthouse) [middle]
• Yongshu Jiao Lighthouse (永暑礁灯塔, Fiery Cross Reef Lighthouse) [2nd from right]
• Meiji Jiao Lighthouse (美济礁灯塔, Mischief Reef Lighthouse) [extreme right]

what. stamps with lighthouses

where.

• Huayang Jiao Lighthouse: Huayang Jiao (Cuaerton Reef), London Reefs, Spratly Islands (China-administered)
• Chigua Jiao Lighthouse: Chigua Jiao (Johnson South Reef), Union Banks, Spratly Islands (China-administered)
• Zhubi Jiao Lighthouse: Zhubi Jiao (Subi Reef), Spratly Islands (China-administered)
• Yongshu Jiao Lighthouse: Yongshu Jiao (Fiery Cross Reef), Spratly Islands (China-administered)
• Meiji Jiao Lighthouse: Meiji Jiao (Mischief Reef), Spratly Islands (China-administered)

issue information. 1 set of 5 stamps in 1 sheet, and 1 miniature sheet featuring each of the stamps twice, featuring lighthouses.

remarks. The South China Sea Islands refer to the more than 250 islands, atolls, cays, shoals, reefs, and sandbars found there. Collectively, the total land area is about 15km2. There is no indigenous population. Ownership of the islands are disputed amongst a number of claimant states. The Spratly Islands are claimed, wholly or partially, by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the Paracel Islands are disputed among China, Taiwan, and Vietnam; the Pratas Islands are disputed between China and Taiwan; and the rival claimants to Macclesfield Bank and Scarborough Shoal are China, the Philippines, and Taiwan. The lighthouses on the islands featured here are administered by China.

note. Mandarin Chinese for lighthouse: 灯塔 (simplified script; dēngtǎ), 燈塔 (traditional script; dēngtǎ)