The South China Sea  is small part of the Pacific ocean, the largest water body on earth. This sea is surrounded by six states : China,Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Within the South China Sea, there are two groups of numerous tiny uninhabited islands called Spratly and Paracel.

All the six surrounding countries often dispute over what part of the sea and its islands should belong to whom. The area around these islands is very rich in sea life and therefore very profitable for fishing.They are also believed to have abundant oil and gas reserves under the seabed which is another bone of contention. As of now, China, the largest country amongst them, claims its control over almost three-fourths of the South China Sea.

South china sea is also a very important area internationally because of its strategic location.It is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. For India it is an important shipping route as it connects the Pacific and the Indian Oceans.

Some interesting information :

How is sea different from an ocean?

What are archipelagos?

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