evidence: Territorial sovereignty claims over the South China Sea islands have been made by six countries, namely, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. In addition, Taiwan (China) also has made claims based upon special political factors, thus creating a six-nation-and-seven-party situation in the area. The Pratas Islands are garrisoned by Taiwan’s (China) armed forces. The Macclesfield Bank is dominated by the practical control of the Philippines. The Paracel Islands are controlled by mainland China. The Spratly Islands are controlled by the following countries respectively, mainland China controls 7 reefs, Taiwan (China) 2, Vietnam 29, Philippines 8, Malaysia 5, with Brunei 2, and Indonesia 1.9 1 Mainland China