Asia and UNCLOS at 30 (1994–2024)

Asia, the world's largest continent, comprises 51 States and territories. It is surrounded by three vast oceans: the Arctic to the North, the Indian Ocean to the South, and the Pacific to the East. This complex geography of land and water has positioned the continent at the forefront position in shaping and implementing the new law of the sea in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Asia encompasses a myriad of maritime issues. It has different types of States seeking equitable benefits from the oceans such as Archipelagic States, Straits States, Landlocked and Geographically Disadvantaged States, and Coastal States. The region faces numerous challenges, such as contested unilateral baselines claims, the uncertain status of islands and rocks, contentious maritime claims, combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing activities (IUU) and the management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks, piracy, armed robbery at sea, dual-purposes (general or military) of marine scientific research, the proliferation of submarine pipelines and cables, marine pollution, and offshore oil and gas development. However, Asia is also a hub for pioneering models, experiments, and ideas that complement the Law of the Sea. Drawing from over 30 years of implementing UNCLOS, Asia's experiences contribute significantly to affirming the Convention's position as a key mechanism for common and national interests at sea. This chapter aims to summarize Asia's main challenges and contributions to improving the Law of the Sea and fostering legal order, peace, and stability across the region.