Ownership Dispute
The rocks, together with Pedra Branca and another rock formation within the vicinity known as South Ledge, were the subject of a territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore. For Middle Rocks and South Ledge, the dispute arose when Singapore claimed both islets in 1993. The matter was settled by the International Court of Justice in 2007, which ruled that Middle Rocks belonged to Malaysia while awarding Pedra Branca to Singapore. The status of South Ledge remains unresolved.
Following the decision, both countries said they would hold discussions to establish the maritime border around the area.
Malaysia sent a team from its Mapping and Survey Department which constructed a flag pole, five markers and a monument between 4 and 12 June 2008. The Malaysian flag was raised and the team sang the Malaysian national anthem, Negaraku, during a ceremony which was covered by the press on 13 and 14 June 2008.
Read more about this topic: Middle Rocks
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