Oceans
There has long been a collection of laws and treaties that
address how the world’s oceans and waterways are managed. Additionally, many countries enforce
air defense zones over water they have claimed. There are international treaties, global agreements,
regional agreements, and even water specific treaties. Yet this system is under unique
challenges. As technological
advancements are made in extracting resources from oceans and seas, countries
are engaged in expanding territorial claims.
The Western Pacific Ocean and South China Sea are the
location of a simmering international issue. India, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Brunei,
Indonesia, Malaysia, and China are now contesting long held territorial
claims. Beyond the historically established
spheres of influence and territorial claims that each country in the world has
right to, there are new claims that hold great geo-political implications.
Who has the right to exploit the oil, and other natural
resources abundant in this region? The answer may well determine the economic and military
future for these (and other) countries
for many years to come. All
countries have interest in this resolution for future such claims they may
themselves make, and immediate interest based on trade partners, and their
collective economies.
The map below shows just how volatile this region is
becoming.
Territorial Claims in South China Sea
Six
countries claim conflicting territorial rights in the South China Sea, a region
rich in oil, gas, fishing and mineral resources. See the link:
Thus the
question before the conference is, “How should claims to natural resources in
international waterways, and all future such claims, be resolved?
1. Should territorial claims be awarded
to the country that first laid claim?
2. Should territorial claims be awarded
based on historical precedent? (if
so, how far back is appropriate?)
3. Is a new, reasonable and just
resolution system best, and what should it be, given the technological
capabilities the world has today?
