Chinese researchers claim world's deepest sinkhole found in South China Sea

Chinese researchers on Saturday claimed to have found the world's deepest underwater sinkhole, or blue hole near the disputed islands in the South China Sea (SCS).

The blue hole is 300.89 metres deep, surpassing the current record of 202 metres, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The hole was found near the Paracel islands called as Xisha Islands by China. The islands are claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan.

China has continued to assert its claim over all but most of the South China Sea even after this month's verdict by the international tribunal appointed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration which has struck down its claims of nine-dash line based on historic rights.

China has rejected the verdict and called for bilateral resolution of the maritime dispute. Besides China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area.