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Why are Spratly Islands in the News
The Spratly Islands have once again captured headlines in August 2025 because of a significant escalation in island-building by Vietnam, which is rapidly expanding its man-made land in this disputed maritime region.
According to a US think tank report, Vietnam’s construction efforts may soon surpass China’s scale, intensifying tensions amid competing claims involving multiple Southeast Asian nations and China.
This escalation underscores the islands’ immense strategic and economic value, particularly due to their location in the South China Sea, a vital global shipping route rich in marine resources and potential underwater hydrocarbons.
“In the heart of the South China Sea, the race for territorial dominance accelerates. The Spratly Islands, a cluster of reefs and islets, symbolize power, resources, and rising geopolitical rivalry.”
About the Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands comprise over 100 small islands, reefs, and shoals, scattered in the southern part of the South China Sea. Geographically, they lie off the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia, and southern Vietnam. The islands are mostly low-lying with coral reefs, sandy cays, and some small natural islands, covering diverse maritime features such as banks and atolls.
Geographical Features of the Spratly Islands
- The islands consist of small landforms including islets, cays, reefs, and submerged atolls spread over several hundred square kilometers.
- The climate is tropical monsoon, characterized by hot, wet conditions from May to January and a relatively dry season between February and May.
- Vegetation is sparse due to harsh weather and soil, with species such as Barringtonia asiatica and Ipomoea pes-caprae commonly found.
- Features like Trường Sa Airport and expanded airstrips have been constructed on some larger islands to strengthen territorial claims.
- Renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines support the islands’ limited facilities, including military outposts and meteorological stations.
FAQs
Q1. Where are the Spratly Islands located and what is their geographic nature?
The Spratly Islands are scattered in the South China Sea, mainly off the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. They consist of over 100 small islets, reefs, and atolls with tropical climates and sparse vegetation.
Q2. Which countries claim the Spratly Islands?
The islands are claimed by Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan, leading to overlapping territorial disputes.
Q3. Why are the Spratly Islands strategically important?
They lie in a vital maritime passage used by about a third of global trade, hold rich fishing grounds, and are believed to contain extensive oil and natural gas reserves beneath the sea.
Q4. What recent developments have occurred in the Spratly Islands?
In 2025, Vietnam has escalated its island-building activities by reclaiming land and expanding artificial islands in the Spratlys. According to reports, Vietnam’s efforts may soon surpass China’s in scale, increasing geopolitical tensions.
Q5. How do these disputes affect regional and global security?
The overlapping claims have caused militarization, clashes, and diplomatic standoffs, posing risks to peace and freedom of navigation in a key international trade route.
