441. The Philippines, which has occupied Thitu since 1970, recalls that it only claims a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea from Thitu and considers it to be a rock for purposes of Article 121(3). The Philippines notes that there is a well on Thitu that contains “brackish but drinkable water,” but the water must be filtered for safe consumption. The local population on Thitu was transplanted there and has been maintained by the Philippine Government since 2001. It is only possible to grow vegetables there because soil is continually imported from Palawan and supplies are shipped by naval vessel to personnel monthly. The Philippines argues that without the “umbilical cord” of the Philippines’ support, Thitu is—like Itu Aba—incapable of sustaining the habitation of even the small community that the Philippines maintains there. The Philippines’ experts take the same view.
442. The Philippines notes that, at 0.21 square kilometres, West York is even smaller than Thitu and Itu Aba. Like Thitu, the Philippines considers West York to be a “rock” unable to sustain human habitation or economic life. According to the Philippines, there is no potable water and agriculture is impossible because the salinity of the water retards growth of introduced plants. There is no population, only a small observation post staffed by a few soldiers sustained by outside supplies. Accordingly, the Philippines submits that West York does not have conditions sufficient to sustain human habitation or an economic life.