The South China Sea is one of the world’s most contested areas, where countries have been busy transforming tiny reefs, rocks, and submerged features into militarized islands. More than 90 outposts have been built across about 70 locations, according to satellite images studied by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. But why is this patch of sea so important, and what’s fueling this frenzy?
Why the South China Sea Matters
Beneath the waves lie vast reserves of oil and gas, essential resources that make the region incredibly valuable. Add to that some of the richest fishing grounds in the world and key shipping routes carrying trillions of dollars in trade annually, and it’s easy to see why countries are vying for control. But this isn’t just about resources; it’s also about power.
For China, dominating the South China Sea is tied to its vision of being a global superpower. Controlling the shipping lanes means controlling a vital economic lifeline. Other countries in the region, like Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and even Taiwan, are equally determined to protect their claims and sovereignty.
How Rocks Turn Into Islands
Turning reefs and rocks into military bases isn’t easy, but many countries have been doing just that. China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia have all built structures on these small features, sometimes constructing entire islands from scratch. China, for instance, has built facilities on 20 locations in the Paracel Islands and seven reefs in the Spratly Islands. These installations aren’t just symbolic—they house military equipment, runways, and surveillance systems.
Vietnam, not to be outdone, has constructed outposts on 21 locations in the Spratly Islands, more than any other nation. Even Malaysia and the Philippines have built facilities, though on a smaller scale. Brunei, while laying claims to the area, hasn’t constructed any bases yet.
A Web of Competing Claims
This territorial battle is complicated because the South China Sea overlaps the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of multiple countries. According to international law, nations can claim resources up to 200 miles from their coasts. But China’s claims sweep far beyond that, based on a vague, historical map known as the “Nine-Dash Line.”
For example, China claims the Second Thomas Shoal, which is controlled by the Philippines, and the Scarborough Shoal, which it has effectively taken over through a constant coast guard presence. In the Paracels, China controls islands it seized militarily in the 1970s and has been building ever since. Vietnam, meanwhile, disputes China’s ownership of the Paracels and continues to challenge its presence in the Spratlys.
Even countries that typically align with China, like Vietnam, often clash with the superpower over fishing rights and oil exploration. The Philippines, on the other hand, scored a major victory in 2016 when an international court ruled in its favor against China. However, that legal win hasn’t stopped China from asserting its dominance.
Taiwan’s Complex Role
Taiwan’s role in the conflict adds another layer of intrigue. While most people associate Taiwan with its tense relationship with China, the island nation also mirrors many of China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. Taiwan sees itself as the rightful ruler of all Chinese territories, including parts of the disputed area. This makes Taiwan both a defender of its sovereignty and a player in the broader conflict, creating unusual overlaps with China’s actions.
What’s Next for the South China Sea?
The South China Sea isn’t just a regional conflict; it’s a flashpoint with global implications. U.S. allies like Taiwan and the Philippines often look to Washington for support, but America’s stance has been inconsistent. While past leaders have pushed back against China’s expansion, others have been less eager to involve U.S. forces in overseas disputes.
As countries fortify their claims with military installations, the risk of a misstep or escalation grows. The South China Sea remains a place where economic ambitions, military strategy, and national pride collide, and the outcome will shape the balance of power in Asia—and beyond—for decades to come.
In this high-stakes game, every island, reef, and shoal is a piece of a much larger puzzle. Who will ultimately control the South China Sea? The answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the battle is far from over.
