Chinese Fleet Arrives at Spratly Islands, Amid Increasing Tension in South China Sea
A large fleet of 30 Chinese fishing boats arrived at the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Sunday, amid ownership disputes between China and its neighbors.
The fleet, which includes a 3,000 ton supply ship and a patrol vessel, will spend up to 10 days in the area, according to China’s state media.
China claims it has sovereign rights to the entire South China Sea, which is believed to be very rich in gas and oil deposits.
However Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines also claim part ownership in the area.