From Sky News (May 23): Why Is There A Dispute In The South China Sea?
The Chinese have been increasing their presence in the contested waters - building runways, ports and possibly a radar system.
The Spratly Islands are claimed in their entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while parts are claimed by Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. Pictured are Filipino activists protesting against China's presence
China has been increasing its presence in the South China Sea. It has been carrying out a large-scale reclamation, piling sand from the seabed on to reefs for building. Here is the Subi reef pictured in 2012 (L) and in 2016. Satellite images: Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative/DigitalGlobe
A runway has been built on the reef as China is accused of militarising the South China Sea, including the Spratly and Paracel Islands
A picture of Fiery Cross Reef in 2006 (L) and in 2015 shows how much work has been carried out
It has a port and what looks also to be a runway
An image from the US Navy appears to show Chinese dredging vessels in the waters around Fiery Cross Reef
This image, from three years later, shows how much sand has been piled on to the reef by the Chinese
Satellite images suggest China may be building a radar system in the Spratly Islands, after two probable radar towers were constructed on Gaven Reef (pictured) and Hughes Reef
Tensions have been rising between China and its neighbours in the South China Sea, which is home to a disputed group of small islands and reefs.
In 1947, the Chinese laid claim to a large area of the waters marked on some maps by a series of dashes, known as the nine-dash line.
The waters include two island chains - the Spratlys and Paracels - as well as a number of reefs.
The islands were previously occupied by the Japanese until they surrendered at the end of the Second World War.
A member of the military on Filipino-controlled Spratly island of Thitu
:: Why is there a dispute?
China claims most of the South China Sea.
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Video:Six Days In The South China Sea
The area of the nine-dash line (which became 10 after the Chinese added another dash to the east of Taiwan island in 2013) is close to a number of other countries.
They include the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei which say parts of the South China Sea, including the islands, belong to them rather than China.
The Philippines say the Chinese claim is against global law and has gone to the International Court of Arbitration to fight its case. The Filipinos are backed by the Vietnamese, while China rejects the other countries' claims.
The US believes the South China Sea are international waters, and sovereignty there should be determined by the United Nations Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Countries cannot claim sovereignty over any land masses submerged at high tide, or were previously submerged but have been raised above high tide level by construction, according to the UNCLOS.
:: Who occupies what?
The Spratly Islands are claimed in their entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while parts are claimed by Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei.
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Video:Secret Battle In South China Sea
About 45 islands are occupied by relatively small numbers of military forces from China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
China has been carrying out large reclamations in recent years, piling on sand from the seabed. Vietnam has also done the same, albeit on a smaller scale.
Brunei claims a continental shelf 200 nautical miles from its shores.
The Paracel Islands are controlled by the Chinese, who have occupied them since forcing the-then South Vietnam navy off the islands in 1974. They are also claimed by the Vietnamese and Taiwanese.
Both the Philippines and China lay claim to a reef, known as the Scarborough Shoal.
:: Why do the Chinese want to control the South China Sea?
There are potentially massive oil and natural gas reserves on the sea floor and sovereignty would give China more energy security and independence.
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Video:Feb: South China Sea Row Explained
If it controlled the area, the country would be allowed to dominate a major trade route where much of its imported oil passes through.
It would also allow China to disrupt, or threaten to disrupt, trade shipments to all countries in East and Southeast Asia, and could deny access to foreign military forces.
:: Building work on the islands
There is evidence that the Chinese have built an airstrip and port on Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef in the Spratly islands, using sand dredged from the sea bed to extend it.
Satellite images suggest the Chinese may be building a radar system, after two probable radar towers were constructed on Gaven Reef and Hughes Reef. The system would boost its ability to monitor surface and air traffic.
The Chinese have also built lighthouses on Subi Reef and Cuarteron Reef.
Beijing claims much of its construction in the South China Sea is aimed at fulfilling its international obligations on maritime safety, search and rescue and scientific research.
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Video:May 2015: South China Sea Standoff
:: Key flashpoints near Spratly Islands
In October 2015, the American guided missile destroyer USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef which sparked an angry response from China, calling it "extremely irresponsible".
In May 2016, China scrambled fighter jets after another American guided missile destroyer, the USS William P Lawrence, travelled within 12 nautical miles of Fiery Cross Reef.
::Key flashpoints near Paracel Islands
In May 2014, a Chinese vessel allegedly rammed and sank a Vietnamese fishing boat.
In November 2015, China landed fully-armed jet fighters on an expanded airstrip on Woody Island in the Paracels, and reinforced hangars have been completed, diplomats said.
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