<P> Since 1996, Vietnam and the Philippines, and to a lesser degree Malaysia and Brunei, have asserted claims within the area covered by the Chinese (PRC & ROC) nine - dotted line . </P> <P> Since 1974, when PRC troops confronted and expelled Vietnamese troops, most of the Paracel Islands have been occupied by the PRC, and all have been under PRC control . </P> <P> Similarly, although there have been a small number of notable changes in influence or occupation, the occupation and / or control of most parts of the Spratly Islands has not changed significantly since the mid 1990s - see List of maritime features in the Spratly Islands for details . Vietnamese troops control the greatest number of islands, reefs, etc . (approx 29 .) Eight islands are controlled by the Philippines, five by Malaysia, one by Taiwan, and all of those mentioned have various degrees of "control" over other features . Although the Paracels are completely under PRC control, the PRC have no control of any natural feature above sea level . The significance of this situation has changed dramatically since 2014 whence the PRC embarked on a truly remarkable program of land reclamation and artificial island building - see Great wall of sand and List of maritime features in the Spratly Islands for details . </P> <P> In 2012 the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, while expressing concern over rising tension in the area, said that 50 per cent of its trade passes through the area and called for peaceful resolution of the disputes in accordance with international law . </P>

Who is involved in south china sea dispute