China, the Philippines, Taiwan (ROC) and Vietnam have competing claims over the atoll.

It is located close to Northeast Investigator Shoal and 100 km from Palawan, Philippines.

[1] The Chinese frigate Dongguan accidentally ran aground on the shoal during a routine patrol mission on 11 July 2012.

[2][3] On 6 May 2014, Philippine police arrested 11 Chinese fishermen allegedly poaching sea turtles on board the fishing boat, Qiongqionghai, near the Half Moon Shoal.

[4][5] On 29 August 2018, BRP Gregorio del Pillar ran aground at the shoal.