Spratly Islands
| Use attributes for filter ! | |
| Elevation | 4 |
|---|---|
| Area | 200490 |
| Locations | South China Sea |
| Coordinates | 10°N 114°E / 10°N 114°E Coordinates: 10°N 114°E / 10°N 114°E |
| District | Trường Sa |
| Did you know | The Chinese government has stated that almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys and other island groups, is within its sphere of influence. |
| Date of Reg. | |
| Date of Upd. | |
| ID | 1256112 |
About Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea. Composed of islands, islets and cays and more than 100 reefs, sometimes grouped in submerged old atolls, the archipelago lies off the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia, and southern Vietnam.
BBC witnesses Chinese ships blocking Philippines supply boats
... Manila resupplies its outpost in the Second Thomas Shoal, in the Spratly Islands, every month to reinforce its economic rights to waters that are both rich in fish and mineral resources...
Philippines accuses China of firing water cannon at boats in South China Sea
... It said this happened when its ship was escorting boats carrying supplies for Filipino soldiers stationed on one of the contested Spratly Islands...
Living on the frontlines of a US-China flashpoint
... Hundreds of Filipino fishermen have reported incidents of being driven away from their traditional fishing grounds in the South China Sea for more than a decade - particularly in the contested seas near the Spratly Islands...
US, Philippines begin largest-ever drills after China exercises
... The US sent the USS Milius past the Spratly Islands- which lie in the Philippines exclusive economic zone but are claimed by Beijing...
US seeks deal on Philippines bases to complete arc around China
... The first one faces Taiwan, the second the Scarborough shoal, and the third the Spratly Islands...
What does the US want from China? What is its endgame?
... Subi Reef in the Spratly Islands: China has built and militarised a string of artificial islands like this in the South China Sea China has been very clear in its ambitions to lead the world in the important technologies of the future, like robotics and AI...
Philippines accuses China of firing water cannon at boats in South China Sea
The Philippine Coast Guard has accused its Chinese counterpart of firing water cannon at its vessels and blocking them in the disputed South China Sea.
It said this happened when its ship was escorting boats carrying supplies for Filipino soldiers stationed on one of the contested Spratly Islands .
The US condemned Beijing's " dangerous actions" also blaming Chinese " maritime militia" for The Incident .
China has not publicly commented on the reported incident.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the Spratlys, which is also claimed in part by the Philippines.
There are also competing claims by Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said The Incident happened on Saturday as its vessels were heading to Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands .
It described China's actions as " excessive and unlawful" adding that they also violated International Law .
Meanwhile, the US Department of State voiced its support for " our Philippine allies".
" Firing water cannons and employing unsafe blocking manoeuvres, PRC [China's] ships interfered with the Philippines' lawful exercise of High Seas freedom of navigation and jeopardised the safety of the Philippine vessels and crew, " The Department said in a statement.
China ignores an international arbitration court's ruling that its claim to almost the entire South China Sea is ill-founded.
In April, a BBC team aboard a PCG ship witnessed Chinese harassment at first hand.
The South China Sea is now one of The World 's biggest flashpoints, especially as US-China tensions have soared in recent years.
Access to these waters is key to defending Taiwan at a time when China's claims over the self-governed island have intensified.
The waterways also host $5tn (£4tn) of global trade every year, raising concerns that Beijing's increasing footprint could restrict commerce.
Related TopicsSource of news: bbc.com
Spratly Islands Photos
