This island has been controlled by Vietnam since 1974, first by South Vietnam's ARVN Navy, followed by the Navy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam after 1975. The island is also claimed by China, the Philippines[3] and Taiwan.
Sin Cowe island is garrisoned by Vietnamese soldiers. The structures on it include a two-storied government building, anti aircraft guns, artillery and a Vietnamese Sovereignty marker.[5]
There is also a civilian population with a school, children's playground, medical station and wind turbines for electricity generation.[6]
^Rosen, Mark E. (19 August 2014). "A CNA Occasional Paper - Philippine Claims in the South China Sea: A Legal Analysis". South China Sea: Facts and Legal Aspects. CNA Corporation’s Strategic Studies (CSS) division. Retrieved 16 September 2021. The ubiquitous KIG claim by the Philippines carries little legal weight. It stands on the same footing as the nine-dashed-line claim. Also, it was made later than the claims of China, the ROC, and Vietnam.
^"The peaceful life on Truong Sa". Vietnam Pictorial. HaNoi-Vietnam: Vietnam News Agency. 30 June 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2021. Photo caption: Teacher and students at the primary school on Sinh Ton island commune.