Spratly Islands

/ ˈsprætlɪ /

noun

1. a widely-scattered group of uninhabited islets and reefs in the S South China Sea, the subject of territorial claims wholly or in part by six neighbouring nations Compare Paracel Islands

Example Sentences

Over four years, Vietnam has built out a series of remote rocks, reefs and atolls to create heavily fortified artificial islands that expand its military footprint in the Spratly Islands, an archipelago where Hanoi’s claims clash not only with China’s but also with those of Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Manila's coast guard said the incident took place near Thitu Island, part of the Spratly Islands where Beijing has sought to assert its sovereignty claims for years.

Read more on Barron's

On 19 August, several Chinese and Philippine vessels collided near the shoal in the disputed Spratly Islands - an area rich in oil and gas, which has been claimed by both countries for years.

Read more on BBC

Each side blamed the other for the collision, which occurred between a Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship near the Spratly Islands.

Read more on New York Times

Asked if the submerged reef in the Spratly Islands was the most dangerous flash point in his area of command, U.S.

Read more on Seattle Times