Located in the center of the South China Sea is a small, innocuous group of uninhabited island atolls named the Spratly Islands.
From first observation, this island group would be deemed worthless and uninhabitable. This observation would be grossly in error…
Exactly why is the South China Sea important?
These islands sit on the edge of the most lucrative fishing area in the South China Sea. They are also on the edge of one of the most oil- and gas-rich areas yet discovered.
And the Spratlys are claimed by no fewer than seven different countries.
“This is definitely a situation you want to watch closely,” Money Morning Executive Editor Bill Patalon told readers on Dec. 8. “Any kind of a major ‘incident’ there will clearly have a big – and negative – impact on the world financial markets.”
Here’s a look at the irresistible treasures that make ownership of the South China Sea crucial…