There are tiny little rocks in the South China sea that have become a pretty big deal. China has claimed them as its own, putting air bases, missile batteries, and harbors on the islands to stake its claim. It's become a huge, but quiet, international struggle. Why are they suddenly so important, and what is the historical context behind it all? In this two-part episode, we let you in on it. 

Spratly Islands Map

Harbors Being Built on Spratlys

Taiwanese Hotel Construction on Spratlys

Chinese Deep-Defense Strategy Against Japanese Invasion in WWII

Farthest Extent of Chinese Borders and Chinese Claims

Sources

• Taylor Fravel, Strong Borders Secure Nation

• Carrier locations

• Taiwan pushing...

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