Map of the South China Sea – Islands, Countries & Maritime Guide

This map of the South China Sea provides a detailed overview of the major sea region between south-east Asia and China, including surrounding countries, islands, shipping routes and maritime geography.

The South China Sea is known for international shipping lanes, tropical islands, fishing regions, coral reefs and strategic maritime connections between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Where Is the South China Sea Located?

The South China Sea is located in south-east Asia between mainland Asia, island south-east Asia and the western Pacific Ocean.

• North: China and Taiwan
• South: Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo regions
• East: Philippines
• West: Vietnam and the Malay Peninsula

Countries and Regions Bordering the South China Sea

• China — northern maritime coastline
• Taiwan — north-eastern regional coastline
• Vietnam — western South China Sea coast
• Philippines — eastern maritime boundary region
• Malaysia — southern South China Sea coastline
• Brunei — northern Borneo coastal region
• Indonesia — southern maritime approaches
• Singapore — major nearby shipping hub

Major South China Sea Regions and Features

• Spratly Islands — island and reef region in the southern sea
• Paracel Islands — island group in the northern sea
• Gulf of Tonkin — northern gulf between Vietnam and China
• Luzon Strait — connection toward the Pacific Ocean
• Malacca Strait approaches — shipping corridor toward the Indian Ocean
• Scarborough Shoal region — reef area in the eastern sea
• Borneo coastal waters — southern maritime region
• Tropical reef systems — spread throughout island zones

Key Geographic Features

• Major global shipping lanes — among the busiest maritime routes on Earth
• Island and reef systems — scattered throughout the sea
• Tropical marine ecosystems — support fisheries and biodiversity
• Strategic maritime corridors — connect Pacific and Indian Ocean trade routes
• Coastal megacity regions — located around surrounding countries

South China Sea Transport and Travel Overview

• International shipping routes — support global trade and freight transport
• Major container ports — located across surrounding Asian countries
• Regional ferry and cargo routes — connect islands and coastal cities
• Fishing and maritime industries — active throughout the sea
• Air and sea transport hubs — concentrated around major coastal cities

Why People Search for a Map of the South China Sea

• To understand south-east Asian maritime geography
• To locate island groups and reef systems
• To study shipping routes and trade corridors
• To explore surrounding countries and coastal regions
• To research Pacific and Asian marine geography

South China Sea Map Resources

• OpenStreetMap – South China Sea
• Google Maps – South China Sea
• Wikimedia Commons – South China Sea Maps

Related Maps & Location Guides

• Map of the Pacific Ocean
• Map of the Indian Ocean
• Map of the Philippines
• Map of Vietnam
• Map of the World

South China Sea Map FAQs

• Where is the South China Sea located?
  The South China Sea is located between China, south-east Asia and the Philippines.
• What countries border the South China Sea?
  Countries include China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and others.
• Why is the South China Sea important?
  The South China Sea is important for global shipping, fisheries, maritime trade and regional transport routes.
• What islands are in the South China Sea?
  Major island groups include the Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands.

This page is for general informational purposes only and is not affiliated with any official authority, maritime authority, government body or mapping provider.

Disclaimer: Maps are provided for reference only and may not be accurate, complete, current, to scale or suitable for navigation, maritime use, travel planning or official purposes. Maritime boundaries, territorial claims, shipping routes, reef areas and geographic information may vary between sources and may change over time.