The South China Sea plays an outsized role in international commerce and politics. A litany of regional and global powers crave its natural resources as well as the benefits that come with controlling on of the world's most important shipping lanes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Here's why so many nations want to control the South China Sea — and what China wants to do
Conflict is brewing in one of the most critical areas in the world. Six countries are vying for control and the US stands in the way of Chinese hegemony.
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
China has aggressively pursued control over the Spratley Islands — an archipelago of rocks, reefs and cays that sit in the middle of the sea. Malaysia, Brunei, The Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan have staked their own claims to the area, but it's really the United States Navy that stands in the way of China. The Seventh Fleet, however, cannot keep China from reclaiming land on the islands it controls.
Professor Dave Denoon, director of the NYU Center on US-China Relations explains how the situation arose and how it will likely play out in upcoming years.
FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA
ADVERTISEMENT
Recommended articles
From 1,500 to 52,000: The student boom reshaping UK immigration laws
Russia and China are much less sneaky than the West - DRC president
10 countries in Africa with the worst press freedom in 2024
FCMB Group sustains growth momentum, profit rises 192.6% in Q1 2024
DBNC 2024 impacts, sets the pace for entrepreneurs
Navigating success: Insights from a leading IT expert
US and French governments are lobbying Nigeria to host their military bases - report
Russian aid arrives in Niger amid growing bilateral ties
