evidence: The Spratly Islands dispute can be looked at from a variety of angles. The Spratly Islands are a smattering of more than 100 islets, shoals, reefs and sandbanks midway between Vietnam and the Philippines. The Spratlys links the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. They were named for a 19th Century British whaling captain. Many of the Spratly are little more than rocks which barely peep above the surface of the sea. In terms of national security, these islands are important due to their location in the South China Sea, where many merchant ships pass through to deliver goods, people, and energy products to Asian-Pacific countries. By controlling these islands, the country in question would be able to ensure the safe passage of their goods. Six nations lay claim to various parts of the Spratly Island archipelago. They are: the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. Five countries excluding Brunei maintain a continuous military presence in the area. These military forces occupy a number of the islands and reefs, and the claimant governments have stepped up economic and military activity in the region. This situation makes Spratly archipelago especially vulnerable for potential incidents, which can threaten regional and international security.