Dateline 2021-02-22, National Interest:
Stretching from Singapore and the Strait of Malacca in the southwest to the Strait of Taiwan, the South China Sea long has been considered one of the most important trade routes in the world.
The vast sea is also known to be rich in resources that can help meet the quickly rising energy demands of nearby countries.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, it is estimated that the South China Sea holds about fourteen trillion barrels of natural gas and sixteen to thirty-three billion barrels of oil in proved and probable reserves—most of which are situated along the margins of the South China Sea rather than under the long disputed islets and reefs.
…
Wata - Malaysian Oil and Gas Engineer 