Small islands are often the source of dispute among countries near them. Several countries have been in conflict owing to their claims of ownership of islands with rich marine resources and great potential for gas and oil reserve.

In Asia alone, the Philippines, Vietnam and China are claiming some areas as theirs and this remains unsettled up to now. In fact, this has prompted the U.S. to make its stand amid the tension among the nations involved.

Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines and China are both in territorial disputes over the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippines has called for international support amid this ongoing row. While the country has sent its troops to the shoal, China has also sent vessels to the area and word is out that the Chinese may be building an airstrip in the disputed reef. Philippine Navy members have arrested Chinese fishermen in the area several times for gathering marine species protected by the government. [Read more…]