Question map
Which among the following islands in the South China Sea are the source of conflict between several countries?
Explanation
The Spratly Islands (known in Chinese as Nansha Islands) are a major source of conflict in the South China Sea [1]. The dispute involves multiple sovereign states, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, who assert overlapping territorial and maritime claims. China claims the entirety of the Spratlys under its 'nine-dash line' and has engaged in large-scale land reclamation to create artificial islands on reefs such as Fiery Cross and Mischief Reef. In contrast, the Marshall Islands and Solomon Islands are located in the South Pacific and are not part of the South China Sea disputes. The Kuril Islands are the subject of a bilateral territorial dispute between Russia and Japan in the North Pacific, stemming from the end of World War II. Therefore, only the Spratly Islands fit the criteria of being a South China Sea conflict zone.
Sources
- [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spratly_Islands_dispute