A study on the legal aspects of South China Sea dispute and potential impacts on maritime industry

• Main Author: Sim, Estelle Gui Ching
• Other Authors: Jeremy Seow
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71055
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In recent years, the SCS dispute has become a popular topic amongst scholars, politicians and governments. China’s militarization and land reclamation on several reefs located in the SCS to expand its influence and power in the region has further raised tension amongst the claiming states. This has led to numerous criticism on the international law governing the waters. This report aims to analyse the effectiveness of UNCLOS in the SCS and the implications of the dispute on the maritime industry and Singapore. Firstly, an overview of the history and current territorial claims in the SCS would be conducted. Secondly, the author will examine the relevant provisions under UNCLOS that has affected its effectiveness as a dispute resolution mechanism in the context of the SCS dispute. Finally, given that the SCS is a vital maritime trade lane, the report is concluded with the implications of the dispute for the maritime industry and Singapore.