MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The South China Sea dispute, between Beijing and a number of regional states, centers around the Spratly Islands, a group of more than 750 islands and reefs, that are believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves as well as serving as an important commercial shipping route. Beijing has been constructing artificial islands in the area, claiming sovereignty over the land and the 12-nautical-mile zone surrounding the islands.
The United States does not recognize the Chinese claims of sovereignty over the man-made islands, and has repeatedly raised concerns over Beijing’s activities in the region.
The US military at the moment already conducts surveillance missions from Japanese and Philippine airfields, while continuing military patrols in the disputed waters.
