The West Philippine Sea: A nuclear flashpoint?

The analytical piece of Stratfor on China’s grand plan to beef up its submarine-based nuclear arsenal shines new light on Beijing’s intentions in the West Philippine Sea.

China has long staked a claim on the small islands, atolls and rocky outcrops that dot the West Philippine Sea (which is how the South China Sea is now referred to by Philippine officialdom). The popular perception is that the Chinese want to tap its vast oil, gas and mineral deposits and rich fishing grounds. But at least four other countries, the Philippines included, also want to partake of the West Philippine Sea’s bounty, and consider China as encroaching in their territory.