The South China Sea is a large body of water located in Southeast Asia, bordered by several countries including China, Vietnam, Philippines, and Malaysia. It covers an area of about 3.5 million square kilometers and is known for its rich marine biodiversity and significant shipping routes, making it one of the busiest maritime areas in the world. This sea is also a region of geopolitical interest due to overlapping territorial claims from various nations. Disputes often arise over islands and reefs, such as the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands, which are believed to hold valuable natural resources like oil and gas.