Six countries are currently claiming territorial sovereignty over the Spratly Islands. The reasons are glaring: it is acknowledged by the international oil industry that the Spratly Islands may lie atop an “elephant” of petroleum with potential yield in excess of a billion barrels of oil and untold quantities of natural gas, there is also a rich commercial fishing in the area and it occupies a strategic location, occupying a potential blocking position for ships transiting in the South China Sea. Let us look some interesting claims of the six countries based on the message of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno at the closing remarks for the third distinguished lecture, June 27, 2008 at the FEU Auditorium.
Philippines
The Philippines claims that a subgroup of the Spratly Islands lie within the Philippine Archipelago.
Philippines claims that Spratly Islands were Terra Nullius (land without owner) when Tomas Cloma discovered them in 1947.
Philippines also claims that Spratly Islands were Terra Nullius following the San Francisco Peace Treaty.
Philippines occupies eight (8) islands and built a 1,300-meter runway.
60 soldiers assigned.
China
China claims ownership of the whole South China Sea.
It Claims that it discovered, occupied and used the Spratlys as fishing grounds as early as the second century B.C.
China currently occupies seven (7) islands and reefs, built military-like structures and helicopter pads.
325 soldiers stationed.
Vietnam
Vietnam claims that it succeeded France’s claim to the Spratly Islands when Vietnam was granted independence.
Vietnam occupies twenty (20) islands and built 600-meter runway.
600 troops assigned.
Brunei
Brunei claims a semi-submerged reef. It argues that Louisa Reef and Rifleman Bank, both located in the southern portion of the Spratlys, are an extension of its continental shelf.
Taiwan
Taiwan claims that after the Japanese invaded Hainan Island, the Parcel Islands and the Spratly Islands in 1939, the Japanese placed the Spratlys under Taiwan’s jurisdiction.
Taiwan occupies one (1) island with helicopter pad and a 1, 150 meter airstrip.
100 soldiers assigned
Malaysia
Malaysians claim that the south portion of Spratly Islands is located in their county’s continental shelves.
Malaysia occupies four (4) islands, built a 600-meter runway, dive resorts and military installation.
70 troops assigned.