The South China Sea Dispute

Well, Idk if anyone here has heard of this dispute or knows a whole amount of it, but if not here's the gist.
There are a few islands in the South China Sea and the sea itself claimed totally by China and partly by Taiwan, Malaysia, The Philippines, Brunei and Vietnam. Now it wouldn't really be much of a headline breaker, but there has been a few military standoffs in the area, like in the Johnson Reef Incident in the Spratly's where more than 70 Vietnamese sailors were killed, and the region is potentially rich in oil and natural gas.

As you can see here, this is the Chinese claim in the area.

This is another map that details more of the claimants, a little outdated though.

Another map with possessions.

Now what do you think of the issue? since due to a standoff in one of the shoals by the Philippines and China ( I believe it is Scarborough Shoal ), is sparking a massive talk of war in China.
Do you think China's claim is legitimate? My view is its absolutely not, but its my opinion.

In b4 Kali.
Some of China's claim is legitimate. Some of it is just difficult to defend.

Its like the fact that India initially (I am not sure if they still are) claimed some of the same islands in the areas shown on the maps provided in the OP.
You just have a little 'Um.... ***, how did you get over here?' moment.

For the sake of future employment (and basic rules of terrictory ownership), most of it would probably belong to China.

For legal purposes (endangering future employment), alot of it would probably go to the Philippines.

Taiwan and Japan would likely get nothing.
Taiwan just because they cannot hold onto them and Japan just because people won't let them have anything that they got from imperialism.

Vietnam is an interesting case though.
Legal claims: check.
Proximatey: check.
Historical: check in some cases.
Ability to get and hold: Zilch.
One way or another, they will probably get some of the closer islands.

Malaysia and Brunei probably won't get much, if anything.

Most of it, one way or another, will probably land in Chinese hands. The big ones that they want, that is to say.

Note: as far as I know, Japan has given up most of its claims.

Ah

We do have military presence on some the islands(Taiping Island aka Itu Aba, and Pratas Islands), so you're incorrect. Japan, I agree they have no right.

Wait? Japan? They has no claims there I believe...

I personally support Vietnam on this issue.

I support The Phillippines. They already have a crap ton of islands, so let's give em more.

As a half filipino, I think they have enough islands. Vietnam could use some more islands.

Eh.. some of the Philippines' Islands are disappearing due to global warming... the country already lost 7!! 7!!!
plus a few more islands couldn't hurt...

Give them to Malaysia, they should have the strongest claim.

Why not give them to the United States of America.

China does not deserve those islands they can quite plainly within the jurisdiction of the other nations, all China wants it for is the oil.

I personally loved how China claims the entire area while the rest of the nations claim a much smaller portion.

Its all about the oil pretty much...

What gave you that idea?

Well, It wasnt really that much of an issue before they found out there was oil and oh yea, I forgot that that area is one of the world's biggest shipping lanes and where most of Asia's energy supply comes through...

They did a while back. I don't know if they are still stupid enough to continue laying claim to islands anymore though. Not even the US is stupid enough to try and back them in it. And between China and Taiwan as well as they other legitimate claims and the large amount of resentment resonating in the region from what they did in WWII and before, they won't get anything.

I said 'hold them'.
Short term, with the US there, Taiwan can certainly hold onto them.
Long term, China won't make it easy to get the optimum out of them.

I am well aware that Taiwan has 'put boots' down on some of its claims.

Honestly, if I wasn't for unification, I would just say to let Taiwan have them. Its not worth the trouble to try and prevent them from taking the islands. Though I understand the mainland's 'matter of principle' argument in that.

I am glad to see that we are in agreement over Japan's claims. Though I am not sure whether they have withdrawn them.

We will hold them, and for very long time. The guys in Beijing can go to hell.

Maybe.

Cliche as it is: "Time will tell."

Well, all the countries can hold parts of it... I dont want just one country controlling and claiming the entire island chain.. ie. China