Major law and policy issues in the South China Sea are discussed mainly from the perspectives of leading American and European scholars in the study of the complex South China Sea disputes. The issues include regional maritime cooperation and regime building, Southeast Asian countries’ responses to the Chinese assertiveness, China’s historic claims, maritime boundary delimitation and excessive maritime claims, military activities and the law of the sea, freedom of navigation and its impact on the problem, the dispute between Vietnam and China, confidence-building measures and U.S.-Taiwan-China relations in the South China Sea, and Taiwan’s role in the resolution to the South China Sea issues. Over the past three years, there have been several incidents in the South China Sea between the claimants, and also between the claimants and non-claimants over fisheries, collection of seismic data, exploration for oil and gas resources, and exercise of freedom of navigation. Third party concerns and involvement in the South China Sea disputes have been increasing as manifested in actions taken by the United States, India, and Japan. It is therefore important to examine South China Sea disputes from the legal and political perspective and from the view point of American and European experts who have been studying South China Sea issues for many years.

Introduction. General assement of South China sea issues. Major legal issues in the South China sea. Major policy.

The focus of this book is on current ocean law and policy issues particularly in the region around China. The work will be useful to anyone concerned with law of the sea in general and the evolving attitudes of States near China in particular.

Bringing together leading experts on the law of the sea, The South China Sea Arbitration provides a detailed analysis of the significant aspects, findings and legal reasoning in the high-profile case of the South China Sea Arbitration between the Philippines and China.The book offers a comprehensive overview and analysis of the major issues discussed in the Arbitration including jurisdiction, procedure, maritime entitlement, and the protection of the marine environment. The chapters also explore the implications of the case for the South China Sea disputes and possible dispute settlements under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The robust discussion in each chapter will be an invaluable contribution to the ongoing debate on the South China Sea Arbitration.This informative and compelling book will be essential reading for scholars and students of public international law, law of the sea, international dispute settlement and international relations. Policy makers and governmental officials with responsibility for law of the sea and international dispute settlement, as well as members of international courts and tribunals, international organisations and non-governmental organisations, will find this book a stimulating read.

The Routledge Handbook of the South China Sea presents a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of South China Sea issues. It evaluates the dynamics of the latest developments and identifies factors that contribute to dispute settlement and a cooperative management regime of one of the most important seas in the world – one which not only contains rich marine resources and distinctive biodiversity but is also a critical sea route for global trade and communications. The Handbook is divided into six parts, each representing a focused area of enquiry: • History and geostrategic landscape • Sovereignty and maritime entitlements • South China Sea policies of major claimants • Natural resources and environment • Cooperation and institutions • Challenges and prospects Written by world-renowned experts and scholars, with specialisms from geography to international law, the volume’s 25 chapters contribute interdisciplinary perspectives, reflecting the impact of how South China Sea policies are shaped by national governments and international organizations. As such, the Handbook provides an authoritative reference to South China Sea Studies, useful for students and scholars of international relations, history, maritime and Asian studies.

This book should be helpful to decision-makers, negotiators, and academics desirous of a peaceful solution to these disputes.

Digging deep into the fields of international law (IL) and international relations (IR) theory, this book offers a groundbreaking interdisciplinary exploration of legal solutions to the South China Sea dispute. Youngmin Seo navigates the complex terrain of the role of international law in times of power redistribution, presenting unique insights that redefine perspectives. Seamlessly blending IR and IL perspectives and providing a nuanced understanding of this global issue in the Indo-Pacific, this work is a beacon in turbulent waters.