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The Spratly Islands consist of more than 100 small islands or reefs. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and potentially by gas and oil deposits.
They are claimed in their entirety by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, while portions are claimed by Malaysia and the Philippines.
About 50 islands are occupied by China (about 450 soldiers), Malaysia (70-90), the Philippines (about 100), and Vietnam (about 1,500). Brunei is a claimant but has no outposts.
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Country
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Surface Area: 5 square km (includes numerous small islands, atolls, shoals, and coral reefs)
Population: no indigenous inhabitants - there are scattered garrisons occupied by personnel of several claimant states (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Southeastern Asia, group of reefs and islands in the South China Sea, about two-thirds of the way from southern Vietnam to the southern Philippines
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