The South China Sea Islands, collectively comprising several archipelago clusters of mostly small uninhabited islands, islets (cays and shoals), reefs / atolls, and seamounts numbering in the …

5 days ago · The South China Sea is the largest marginal sea of the western Pacific. Some 1 million to 60 million years ago, it rifted and then collapsed as a result of seafloor spreading.

Sep 17, 2024 · Explore how China’s claims over the South China Sea have antagonized competing countries and track the latest developments with CFR's Global Conflict Tracker.

Jul 7, 2023 · Countries have wrangled over territory in the South China Sea for centuries, but tension has grown in recent years.

3 days ago · China has upgraded surveillance and electronic warfare systems across several occupied reefs in the disputed South China Sea as it seeks to strengthen its defenses and expand intelligence ...

Mar 22, 2025 · The South China Sea is an invaluable resource, but it is crucial to apportion its waters to balance the interests of surrounding nations and prevent a single country, like China, from asserting …

4 days ago · In this situation, China’s Grey Zone in the South China Sea poses a serious threat to regional stability. This strategy creates pressure without war but can significantly change the political …

Nov 27, 2025 · Maritime conferences across Southeast Asia and China this fall suggests a subtle shift in how regional governments approach the South China Sea.

Oct 19, 2025 · Stay on top of South China Sea latest developments on the ground with Al Jazeera’s fact-based news, exclusive video footage, photos and updated maps.

The South China Sea includes several hundred geographic features, such as small islands, rocks, and reefs, and the majority are located in the Paracel and Spratly Island chains. These island chains …