Spratly Islands - The Spratly Islands are a group of more than 650+ reefs, islets, atolls, cays and islands, which are located in the South China Sea, and have been uninhabited for many centuries. Different groups of these islands are now claimed variously by China (People's Republic of China), Taiwan (Republic of China), Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei. All of those nations mentioned, with the exception of Brunei, have military bases and personnel currently on a total of 45 different islands. There are no Spratly Island natives, but the rich fishing waters which surround the islands, and the finding of oil and gas reserves under the islands, has prompted all of those nations to claim their own slice of the action. The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea 2002, was signed by all parties, and by some other South Asian nations. It states that all parties will attempt to resolve sovereignty disputes in a peaceful manner, directly between the countries concerned, and without resorting to the use of force. They also agreed not to inhabit any currently uninhabited islands, reefs, etc.

South China Sea Islands disputes:
Macclesfield Bank (Zhongsha Islands)
Paracel Islands
Pratas Islands (part of Taiwan)
Scarborough Shoal
Spratly Islands