Among the world's hot spots, none presents a more complex problem than the small but coveted Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. Dotting the sea with approximately 230 islands, islets, and reefs, the Spratlys constitute only 3.1 square miles (5 square kilometers) of land amid more than 496,000 square miles (800,000 square km) of water. None of the 25 actual islands are capable of supporting human life and most of the reefs, cays, and shoals are underwater much of the year. Nevertheless, for strategic, economic, and nationalistic reasons, six countries-China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines-claim all or part of the Spratlys and their maritime area, creating a complicated web of claims and counterclaims. 

These countries have more than once allowed their military to settle territorial questions. More pointedly, China's rapid march to great power status has increaed regional fears about Chinese intentions. Indeed, China's assertive behavior in the region is the strongest evidence presented by those who view China as a would-be hegemon. A closer look suggests that the South China Sea is not about to become a Chinese lake.