The South China Sea Dispute involves several countries claiming rights over parts of the sea, which is rich in resources and has important shipping routes. The main claimants include China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. Tensions arise from overlapping territorial claims, particularly over the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands. China asserts extensive claims based on historical maps, while other nations rely on international law, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The dispute has led to military confrontations, diplomatic tensions, and concerns about freedom of navigation in this vital region.