Reef Madness: video

The Spratly Islands in the South China Sea are resource rich and claimed by vying countries.

Surrounded by serene, aqua waters, the Spratly Islands occupy a pristine stretch of the South China Sea.

But the calm waters belie a fierce contest for control of the oil-rich territory with China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei all asserting claims.

Asia’s leading military forces are desperately trying to occupy as much of the territory as possible, leading some Filipino marines to live on a rusted ship, surrounded by enemy patrol boats.