China is pushing its South China Sea claims during the coronavirus pandemic — this is what the tensions are about
ABCAustralia and the United States this month hardened their position on the South China Sea, where Washington has accused Beijing of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters, despite regional concerns. China illustrates its claims in the South China Sea with a vague, U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands. "The Australian Government encourages all claimants in the South China Sea, including China, to clarify their maritime claims and resolve their differences, in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS," it said. As China held military drills in the South China Sea this month, Vietnam said Beijing's actions were "detrimental" to its relationship with the South-East Asian bloc.