What is the Chinese military doing in the South China Sea?

The Chinese military is ramping up its presence in the South China Sea and enhancing its ability to seize an island, despite military friction with the United States in the region.

Which countries are engaging in efforts to build on reefs and claim territory in the South China Sea?

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim parts of the South China Sea where China has been building artificial islands with airstrips, sheltered ports and other military infrastructure.

Why is the South China Sea so polluted?

The problems of environmental pollution around the South China Sea are generally due to population growth and urbanization in coastal cities, economic growth and increased material consumption, and highly polluting technologies for energy production and primary resource extraction.

Why did China take over the Paracel Islands?

During China’s civil war, the islands then occupied by China were again vacated. After this period, neighboring countries again began making claims on islands. In 1974, China engaged South Vietnam in the Battle of the Paracel Islands to wrest control of the islands.

What is China’s claim to the South China Sea Islands?

China asserted that the claims presented to the Tribunal were a political provocation under the cloak of law and that China has indisputable sovereignty over the SCS Islands and the adjacent waters.

Is the South China Sea a threat to US interests?

The increasing risk of conflict in the South China Sea (SCS) poses a significant threat to stability in the region and to U.S. interests.

When did China take over the Spratly Islands?

Between 1946 and 1947, China began the process of establishing itself in the Spratly Islands, Woody Island, and the Paracel Islands, while the French and Vietnamese established themselves on Pattle Island. During China’s civil war, the islands then occupied by China were again vacated.