South China Sea is the dominant term used in English for the sea, and the name in most European languages is equivalent. This name is a result of early European interest in the sea as a route from Europe and South Asia to the trading opportunities of China.

2 days ago · China has long claimed sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, claims that overlap with those of neighboring nations, including the Philippines, America's treaty ally.

Feb 1, 2025 · South China Sea, arm of the western Pacific Ocean that borders the Southeast Asian mainland. It is bounded on the northeast by the Taiwan Strait (by which it is connected to the East China Sea); on the east by Taiwan and the Philippines; on the southeast and south by Borneo, the southern limit of

Sep 17, 2024 · Explore how China’s claims over the South China Sea have antagonized competing countries and track the latest developments with CFR's Global Conflict Tracker.

1 day ago · China accused Australia on Friday of deliberately provoking it with a maritime patrol in the disputed South China Sea this week, saying the latter was spreading "false narratives", though ...

Jul 7, 2023 · Overlapping claims in the South China Sea threaten to turn the region into a flashpoint of global concern.

Feb 4, 2025 · The United States has maintained an active military presence in the South China Sea, conducting regular Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) and joint military exercises with allies such as the Philippines, Japan, and Australia. These activities support Washington’s broader strategy of counterbalancing China’s influence and ensuring open maritime access.

Dec 25, 2024 · territorial disputes in the South China Sea, series of conflicts arising from the overlapping territorial claims of several countries that border the South China Sea. In recent decades China has been widely seen as the conflicts’ primary driver.

Oct 24, 2023 · Why does China claim almost the entire South China Sea? Beijing’s claim is embodied by its nine-dash line that an international court rejected more than seven years ago.

Aug 21, 2023 · China Primer: South China Sea Disputes Overview Multiple Asian governments assert sovereignty over rocks, reefs, and other geographic features in the heavily trafficked South China Sea (SCS), with the People’s Republic of China (PRC or China) arguably making the most assertive claims. The United States makes no