CHINA GOES ON THE LAND GRAB RUMMAGE OF THE SOUTH EAST ASIA FROM THE WEAK ASEAN COUNTRIES STARTING OFF THE CHINESE HAINAN ISLAND TO THE SOUTH FROM THE PARACELS, SPRATLYS, AND EAST TO THE SCARBOROUGH SHOAL–MAKING OUTRAGIOUS CLAIMS OF OWNERSHIP AND WARNING OTHER NAVAL ARMIES TO BACK OFF

The dispute in the South China Sea is over the sovereignty of ocean areas, and the Paracels and the Spratlys - two island chains claimed in whole or in part by a number of countries.

Alongside the fully fledged islands, there are dozens of rocky outcrops, atolls, sandbanks and reefs, such as the Scarborough Shoal.

Although largely uninhabited, the Paracels and the Spratlys may have reserves of natural resources around them.

The sea is also a major shipping route and home to fishing grounds that supply the livelihoods of people across the region.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-34529863