Ocean Governance and Dispute Resolution

International Journal of Ocean Governance and Dispute Resolution

Commencing August 2024

South China Sea.
*The South China Sea dispute is a complex territorial and maritime conflict involving several countries. China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea based on a historical “nine-dash line,” a demarcation that overlaps with the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

These nations contest China’s expansive claim, asserting their own sovereign rights to islands, reefs, and the surrounding waters. The dispute is fueled by the potential for vast oil and gas reserves, rich fishing grounds, and the strategic importance of the sea as a major shipping route.

International law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), has been invoked by various parties, but the issue remains unresolved, leading to tensions and occasional confrontations between the involved nations.

Indian Ocean
• East African Coast: Countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Madagascar have overlapping claims on exclusive economic zones (EEZs) and continental shelves.
• Persian Gulf: While primarily a geopolitical hotspot, maritime boundaries and resource rights have also been contentious issues among the Gulf states.

Atlantic Ocean
• Arctic: As the region becomes more accessible due to melting ice, countries like Russia, Canada, the United States, Norway, and Denmark are asserting claims over potential resources and maritime boundaries.
• West African Coast: Nations in this region, including Nigeria, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, have had disputes over offshore oil and gas reserves.

Pacific Ocean
• East China Sea: Similar to the South China Sea, there are overlapping claims between China, Japan, and South Korea, primarily over islands and their surrounding water

Red Sea
*Geopolitical Tensions
The Red Sea is a crucial shipping lane, connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Its strategic importance has heightened geopolitical tensions in the region. Countries bordering the Red Sea, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, have competing interests, which can sometimes lead to disputes.

*Environmental Concerns
The Red Sea faces environmental challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change. While not necessarily direct disputes, these issues can create tensions between countries sharing the marine environment.
It’s important to note that while there are no explicit territorial disputes in the Red Sea similar to the South China Sea, the recent increase in maritime incidents has significantly impacted the region’s stability and economy.

 

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