spratlys

Let me go straight to the point: China has undeniable historical claim over the Nansha Islands (Spratlys).

He said the deployment could be seen as an aggressive move by other countries that also claim part or all of the Spratlys.

It has also, particularly around the Spratlys, long been believed to be rich in hydrocarbons.

Taiwan at the weekend reiterated its claim to the Spratlys, and said missile boats and tanks could be deployed to disputed territory.

Last week, China protested a new Philippine law affirming sovereignty over parts of two island groups, the Spratlys and Scarborough Shoal.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said China had "indisputable sovereignty" over the island, in the Spratlys chain.

It says it has actively ruled over both the Paracels and the Spratlys since the 17th Century - and has the documents to prove it.

Indeed, since 1988, when China and Vietnam clashed near the Spratlys, there have been no serious armed flare-ups.

Hand off our Spratlys and Paracels before it would be too late.

The Philippines reasserted its claims in the Spratlys, and Taiwan announced plans to reinforce its garrison there.

The Spratlys and Scarborough shoal sit astride important sea lanes and may contain significant oil and gas deposits.

This includes much more than the Spratlys, an island group long claimed by Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan too.

There are also competing claims to island groups within the sea, such as the Paracels and Spratlys.

In 1988 more than 70 Vietnamese sailors died in a naval battle with China in the Spratlys.

All these nations have conflicting claims over a chain of islands called the Spratlys in the South China Sea.

In 1988 the two sides clashed in the Spratlys, when Vietnam again came off worse, losing about 70 sailors.

PNoy should send more naval patrols and marines to guard the Spratlys.

In 1988, China and Vietnam fought a brief naval battle in the Spratlys.