Check the boxes to map out the territorial claims of one or more countries. Scroll down and click on The Spratly Islands and The Paracels to explore in-depth key construction projects and military fortifications on these disputed island chains.
CHINA
Taiwan
Paracel
Islands
Scarborough
Shoal
Spratly
Islands
VIETNAM
PHILIPPINES
MALAYSIA
MALAYSIA
INDONESIA
The Spratlys is a major flashpoint in the South China Sea. While China is not alone in pursuing reclamation and other construction projects on the contested islands, the speed and scale of its activities have set off alarm bells in the region and worldwide.
Reed
Tablemount
VIETNAM
North Danger Reef
Loaita Bank
South China Sea
Jackson
Atoll
Southern
Reefs
Union Reefs
London
Reefs
SPRATLY ISLANDS
Investigator
Shoal
PHILIPPINES
Rifleman
Bank
Ardasier
Reefs
Vanguard
Bank
MALAYSIA
50 km
Mischief
Reef
Fiery
Cross
Note: Occupation does not signify undisputed sovereignty.
The Paracels have been under Chinese control for decades, but the island chain is also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.
AMPHITRITE GROUP
North Reef
Rocky Island
Woody Island
CRESCENT GROUP
Lincoln Island
Robert Island
Duncan Island
Money Island
South China Sea
Discovery Reef
Bombay Reef
Triton Island
20 km