Zhongzhou Reef also known as Ban Than Reef and Centre Cay is a small coral reef on the north edge of the Tizard Bank in the Spratly Islands, South China Sea. It lies east of ROC-occupied Taiping Island, west of Vietnamese-occupied Sand Cay, and has an exposed area of approximately during high tide, and during low tide. It consists of an accumulation of seashells, sand, coral reefs and debris which forms a circular coral reef plate, surrounding the reef under the water, with a diameter of approximately. The reef claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan, the PRC and the Philippines. As many as 51 species of migratory birds inhabit the reef for short stays. The surrounding waters contain a rich marine ecosystem with plentiful staghorn coral. Shellfish species such as Harpago chiragra and Cassis cornuta can be found on the reef, and the surrounding waters contain various common tropical fish and coral reef fish. The reef geology is not suitable for plant growth. The reef has no groundwater source. Though currently uninhabited by humans, the ROC Coast Guard sends regular patrols via M8 speedboats from nearby Taiping Island. These patrols circle the reef, in addition to landing, making inspections and carrying out ecological surveys. The Vietnam People's Navy also sends patrols from nearby Sand Cay.
Recent history
The reef was included within the area claimed by Nationalist China in 1935, and this claim was reiterated in a map published in 1947. Scientists from Taiwan conducted ecological research on green turtles living on the reef from 2002 to 2003. On 16 August 2003, the Taiwanese Minister of the InteriorYu Cheng-hsien visited the reef, travelling via M8 speedboat, and planted a ROC flag in a declaration of sovereignty. On 28 March 2004, the ROC Coast Guard Administration completed the construction of wooden observation kiosks on the reef. In September 2010, the ROC Environmental Protection Agency conducted environmental quality sampling intending on monitoring reef marine water quality. On 22 March 2012, a routine patrol of the ROC Coast Guard came into contact with Vietnamese patrol boats near the reef; following the incident, ROC legislators Lin Yu-fang, Chen Zhenxiang and Chen Zhankai visited the reef by M8 speedboats. The ROC government has revealed plans to construct permanent marking facilities and a lighthouse to facilitate vessel navigation.
