[Osnome]

I think it is more than petroleum they are after.

These countries feel there sovereignty and security are undermined by China and China feels the same.

Controlling the Spratly Islands is about exercising their muscle, making a stand.

Then again maybe China is ‘feeling its’ oats’.

[angkor]

I think it's pretty clear that China's claim is the weakest of all nations near the Spratlys. It's nearest land border is more than 1,000 km distant!

[elcid1970]

The dragon is learning how to swim.