Japan used them as a submarine base during WWII, and oil was discovered there in 1976, literally adding the fuel to the fire concerning these sandbars and small reef islands.  
Japan used them as a submarine base during WWII, and oil was discovered there in 1976, literally adding the fuel to the fire concerning these sandbars and small reef islands.  They command the sea passage from Japan to Singapore and all or parts are claimed by Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, and most notably, Taiwan and China, who often threaten to go to war over them.  FTP, what is this disputed island group?
Japan used them as a submarine base during WWII, and oil was discovered there in 1976, literally adding the fuel to the fire concerning these sandbars and small reef islands.  
The Spratley Islands