While Asian states are increasing their positive political interactions and focusing more on economic development, a plethora of unresolved maritime issues persist. Expanding the meaning of 'security issues' to include pollution, piracy and poaching necessitates acceptance of broader responsibilities and different priorities by military authorities, both for force-structure development and for operations and training. Several of the areas of overlapping claims harbour good oil and gas potential. Serious problems will develop as exploration and drilling extend farther off shore into deeper and disputed waters and as international oil companies become involved. Although maritime issues are generally a relatively minor part of the regional strategic picture, given the tenuous relations between many of the states and the likelihood of petroleum in disputed continental-shelf areas, such maritime issues could influence international relations.
Oil is only one factor in the Spratly dispute.
The islands are also considered strategic bases for sea-lane defense, interdiction and surveillance. Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam claim all or some of the Spratly features and the intervening maritime areas. Although oil production is also increasing, it is doing so at a slower rate. The rise in consumption and the poor quality of its oil raise fundamental questions about China's future as an exporter. About 120 wells have been drilled under the auspices of other claimants within China's historic line claim with an annual output of more than one million tonnes.