Why in the news?

• The Spratly Islands witness conflict between vessels of  China and Philippines.

Spratly Islands

• Location:
  • South China Sea
  • Between Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and China.
• Composition:
  • Around 100+ small islands, reefs, atolls, and shoals.
  • Many are submerged at high tide; few are habitable.
• Claimants: China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan (all have overlapping claims).