Shandians

Shandians are a group of islands located in the South China Sea, administered by the People's Republic of China. They are situated in the northern part of the Paracel Islands and are claimed by both China and Vietnam. The archipelago consists of several small islets and rocks, with the largest being Shandong Reef.

The Shandians are strategically important due to their proximity to the South China Sea shipping lanes and the potential for oil and gas exploration. They have been the subject of territorial disputes between China and Vietnam, with both countries asserting sovereignty over the islands.

China has established infrastructure on several of the islets, including airstrips and radar facilities, which has further fueled tensions with Vietnam. The dispute has led to periodic military confrontations and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2016 that China's activities in the South China Sea, including on the Shandians, were illegal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, China has rejected the ruling and continues to assert its sovereignty over the islands.

The Shandians are a contentious issue in the South China Sea disputes, with implications for regional security and international law. The situation remains unresolved, with both China and Vietnam maintaining their respective positions.