The South China Sea (SCS) is a highly strategic and contested region, rich in natural resources such as oil and natural gas, and a key shipping route that sees a significant portion of global trade passing through. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea based on its "Nine-Dash Line," which overlaps with claims from several other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
China has constructed military facilities on artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago. These facilities include runways for fighter jets, radar systems, anti-aircraft weapons, and anti-ship missile systems.