The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has served the Philippines well in achieving its security, economic and environmental goals. The most high-profile application of UNCLOS was the country’s arbitration proceedings against China in 2013 over the South China Sea.
Category Archives: Why UNCLOS Matters
From a Rule Taker to a Rule Shaper: The Importance of UNCLOS to China
For its own legitimacy and status as a big power, China has leaned on the law of the sea for leverage in the past several decades.
Cooperation, Challenges and Charms: The UNCLOS for Japan
Japan has made solid contributions to the global rules-based order. Notwithstanding Japan’s efforts for international cooperation, challenges remain in implementing UNCLOS.
UNCLOS and Thailand: Security, Prosperity and Sustainability
Despite being a party to UNCLOS only in 2011, the Convention has served Thailand well. But UNCLOS should be updated in light of emerging maritime issues such as climate change.
UNCLOS’s Relevance to Taiwan Amid a Raging Storm
After the 2016 South China Sea (SCS) arbitration award and recent developments, Taiwan — though not a formal party to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) — has all the more reason to support the Convention.
Girt by Sea, and by the Law of the Sea: Why UNCLOS Matters to Australia
As a nation which possesses the world’s third largest maritime domain, Australia has benefited tremendously from UNCLOS. Given that multilateralism has come under attack in recent years, the Convention will continue to be significant to middle powers like Australia.
After 40 Years, UNCLOS Remains Significant to Vietnam
UNCLOS’s relevance to Vietnam is significant, but the Convention must be updated if Vietnam and other signatories are to succeed in dealing with contemporary challenges in maritime affairs.
Survival, Success and the Sea: The Importance of UNCLOS to Singapore
UNCLOS has played a pivotal role in Singapore’s development from a maritime colony to a modern maritime state.
UNCLOS and Maritime Governance: Why It Matters to Malaysia
Malaysia’s evolution to a full maritime nation-state is ongoing and the challenge will be to adapt to new security and other transnational maritime issues while supporting UNCLOS principles.
Sovereignty, Security and Prosperity: Indonesia and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea
The passage of UNCLOS (1982) was a diplomatic and existential success story for Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic state. However, new challenges in maritime law have arisen in the 40 years since the Convention’s passage and action must be taken to ensure its continued relevance to Indonesia and the world.