<P> The Spratly Islands are important for economic and strategic reasons . The Spratly area holds potentially significant , but largely unexplored , reserves of oil and natural gas , it is a productive area for world fishing , it is one of the busiest areas of commercial shipping traffic , and surrounding countries would get an extended continental shelf if their claims were recognised . In addition to economic incentives , the Spratlys sit astride major maritime trade routes to Northeast Asia , giving them added significance as positions from which to monitor maritime activity in the South China Sea and to potentially base and project military force from . In 2014 , China drew increased international attention due to its dredging activities within the Spratlys , amidst speculation it is planning to further develop its military presence in the area . In 2015 satellite imagery revealed that China was rapidly constructing an airfield on Fiery Cross Reef within the Spratlys whilst continuing its land reclamation activities at other sites . Only China ( PRC ) , Taiwan ( ROC ) , and Vietnam have made claims based on historical sovereignty of the islands . The Philippines , however , claims part of the area as its territory under UNCLOS , an agreement parts of which have been ratified by the countries involved in the Spratly islands dispute . </P>
<P> The Spratly Islands are important for economic and strategic reasons . The Spratly area holds potentially significant , but largely unexplored , reserves of oil and natural gas , it is a productive area for world fishing , it is one of the busiest areas of commercial shipping traffic , and surrounding countries would get an extended continental shelf if their claims were recognised . In addition to economic incentives , the Spratlys sit astride major maritime trade routes to Northeast Asia , giving them added significance as positions from which to monitor maritime activity in the South China Sea and to potentially base and project military force from . In 2014 , China drew increased international attention due to its dredging activities within the Spratlys , amidst speculation it is planning to further develop its military presence in the area . In 2015 satellite imagery revealed that China was rapidly constructing an airfield on Fiery Cross Reef within the Spratlys whilst continuing its land reclamation activities at other sites . Only China ( PRC ) , Taiwan ( ROC ) , and Vietnam have made claims based on historical sovereignty of the islands . The Philippines , however , claims part of the area as its territory under UNCLOS , an agreement parts of which have been ratified by the countries involved in the Spratly islands dispute . </P>
what is the basis of china in claiming spratly islands
what is the basis of china in claiming spratly islands
historical sovereignty of the islands
historical sovereignty of the islands