Which statement explains why China, Indonesia, and the Philippines dispute and claim control of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea?

The Spratly Islands are surrounded by waters believed to contain valuable natural resources, including potential oil and natural gas deposits, as well as rich fishing grounds. Claiming the islands can help countries gain access to those resources, so the best answer is “These countries all want the valuable natural resources in the islands.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.