Sea

South China Sea

A third of global shipping crosses the South China Sea, which is also fishery, seabed hydrocarbons, and China's naval front yard. Beijing's nine-dash claim and island-building are an attempt to turn the high sea between Malacca and Taiwan into a Chinese moat.

11.2°N · 112.4°E

Explore South China Sea on the interactive map →

Map stories featuring South China Sea

THE VIETNAM WAR · JUNGLE, TRAIL AND DELTAThe Long CountryINDONESIA · SEVENTEEN THOUSAND ISLANDSThe Seventeen Thousand IslandsCHINA · THE FIRST ISLAND CHAINWhy China Can't Break Out