Growing Tension in the South China Sea

Tension is growing in the South China Sea over the sovereignty of the Spratly Islands. The small island chain, less than four square kilometers total, is claimed by six different countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. Originally the islands were only used for fishing, but after significant oil and natural gas reserves were discovered, the ownership of the islands became hotly contested.

As China grows as both a global and military powers, the world will watch to see how it handles this situation. Will it rely on diplomacy? Or will it put its rapidly growing navy to use? Will China follow the stipulations of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea?

http://www.guampdn.com/article/20111102/OPINION02/111020335/China-sovereignty-vs-international-law