This Is Why The South China Sea Dispute Is Important

A map shows different nation's claims to the South China Sea.

Business Insider/BRIC+: The South China Sea is way more important than anyone realizes

Robert Kaplan, one of the foremost experts on China, stated “The South China Sea will be the 21st Century’s defining battleground.”

Unlike the Persian Gulf, which has widespread recognition due to its significance to oil, the South China Sea is shrouded in obscurity and rarely discussed.

Despite its crucial importance to geopolitics, little is known about this marginal sea surrounded by littoral nations vying for supremacy over it.

WNU Editor: China has already completed its first runway on its largest base in the Spratly Islands .... China completes runway on Fiery Cross Reef (IHS Jane's 360).