Spratly Islands

Vietnam has significantly expanded island-building activities in parts of the Spratly Islands it claims.
According to a recent U.S. think tank report, Vietnam’s construction efforts are expected to match or even surpass China’s scale of land reclamation and infrastructure development in the area.

About the Spratly Islands

Location: South China Sea, north of insular Malaysia, roughly between Vietnam and the Philippines.
Geographical Spread: Covers around 158,000 sq miles (409,000 sq km) of ocean.
Nature: Comprises reefs, shoals, atolls, and small islets, many of which are submerged at high tide.
Key Islets:
- Itu Aba: Largest natural islet (~90 acres / 36 hectares).
- Spratly Island (Storm Island): About 900 x 1,500 feet (275 x 450 meters).
Wildlife: Mainly turtles and seabirds; no permanent residents.
Climate: Tropical.

Historical Context

France controlled the islands from 1933 to 1939.
Japan occupied and militarized the islands during World War II.
Post-WWII: Chinese Nationalists took control of Itu Aba, maintaining it even after moving to Taiwan in 1949.
Japan renounced claims in 1951, triggering overlapping claims by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines (since 1955).

Claims & Disputes

Claimants: China, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim the entire archipelago; Malaysia and the Philippines claim parts.
Brunei: No territorial claim but claims an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) covering part of the area.
The Spratly Islands are a hotspot for geopolitical tensions due to strategic location, maritime routes, and possible natural resources.

Source: THE HINDU

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