EDITOR\u2019S NOTE:<\/b> This is a weekly look at the latest developments in the South China Sea, the location of several territorial conflicts that have raised tensions in the region.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
BEIJING \u2014 A look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
___ <\/p>\n\n\n\n Chinese President Xi Jinping strongly asserted China\u2019s determination to defend territory it claims, including in the South China Sea, in a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the tone of Mattis\u2019 visit to Beijing was largely upbeat, Xi made sure to reinforce his reputation as a fervent nationalist when it comes to issues of sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though Xi gave no specifics in his statement, he was largely seen as indicating the South China Sea as well as self-governing Taiwan. China also claims territory held by India and uninhabited East China Sea islands controlled by Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\t