Spratly Islands

The Spratly Islands are a group of over 100 small islands, reefs, and atolls in the South China Sea, located between Vietnam and the Philippines. These islands are valuable for their strategic position, fishing resources, and potential undersea oil and gas reserves. Several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan, claim parts of the islands, leading to ongoing territorial disputes. Despite their small size, control of the Spratly Islands has significant geopolitical importance, impacting regional security, maritime navigation, and international relations in Southeast Asia.