China accuses Japan of threatening Pacific peace with military law Read moreIshigaki Island does not look like a frontline. But their location, and competing claims of ownership from China, Japan and Taiwan have made them a potential flashpoint for war and focus of extreme anxiety from Tokyo to Washington. 6 Paracel islands (South China Sea)Woody Island is the largest of the Paracels, which have been under China’s control since 1956. 7 Scarborough shoal (South China Sea)There has been a five-year dispute between the Philippines and China over ownership of the territory near Luzon island. 8 Spratly Islands (South China Sea)China has built a runway with capacity for military planes and is using dredgers to build artificial islands.

Source: The Guardian February 05, 2017 00:00 UTC