South China Sea: a visual guide to the key shoals, reefs and islands
Territorial confrontations are rising between China and a host of other nations in waters that are key to global trade. Here is a map and guide to the region, showing why its fate matters
The South China Sea is one of the world’s most economically important waterways, and increasingly one of Asia’s biggest flashpoints.
The sea, which stretches across 3.5m sq km (1.35m sq miles), is a busy shipping lane, with trillions of dollars’ worth of trade passing through it every year. It is also rich in fish, and thought to contain significant reserves of oil and gas.
Description: a tear-shaped reef 20km (12.6 miles) long. It surrounds a lagoon that has depths of up to 27 metres.
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