ARTICLES

8 Nov 2022

UNCLOS: The Polestar for Philippine Maritime Ambitions

Jacqueline F. Espenilla

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.

1 Nov 2022

From a Rule Taker to a Rule Shaper: The Importance of UNCLOS to China

Jade Guan

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.

China UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters

25 Oct 2022

Cooperation, Challenges and Charms: The UNCLOS for Japan

Yurika Ishii

Japan has made solid contributions to the global rules-based order. Notwithstanding Japan’s efforts for international cooperation, challenges remain in implementing UNCLOS.

Japan Japan-Southeast Asia Relations UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters

A captain of a dive boat secures the anchor

18 Oct 2022

UNCLOS and Thailand: Security, Prosperity and Sustainability

Somjade Kongrawd

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.

Maritime Security Thailand UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters

4 Oct 2022

UNCLOS’s Relevance to Taiwan Amid a Raging Storm

Huynh Tam Sang

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.

China Taiwan UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters

27 Sep 2022

Girt by Sea, and by the Law of the Sea: Why UNCLOS Matters to Australia

Camille Goodman

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.

Australia Maritime Security UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters

20 Sep 2022

After 40 Years, UNCLOS Remains Significant to Vietnam

Thu Nguyen Hoang Anh

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.

Maritime Crime Maritime Security South China Sea UNCLOS Vietnam Why UNCLOS Matters

13 Sep 2022

Survival, Success and the Sea: The Importance of UNCLOS to Singapore

Tara Davenport

UNCLOS has played a pivotal role in Singapore's development from a maritime colony to a modern maritime state.

Maritime Security Singapore UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters

6 Sep 2022

UNCLOS and Maritime Governance: Why It Matters to Malaysia

Sumathy Permal

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.

Malaysia Maritime Crime Maritime Security UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters

Fishermen tidy up their nets at Hagu Teungah beach, in Lhokseumawe. For

30 Aug 2022

Sovereignty, Security and Prosperity: Indonesia and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea

Aristyo Rizka Darmawan

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.

Indonesia Maritime Security UNCLOS Why UNCLOS Matters