Maritime Asia and Treaty Port Networks in the Era of Negotiation

Countries functioning as territorial states have long distinguished themselves from others by establishing boundaries and extending their territory not only on land but also out to sea. The result has often been inter-state disputes, such as contemporary clashes over 200-mile sea zones and conflicting claims to islands, as in the case of the Spratly Island and Senkaku (Diaoyutai) and Takeshima (Tokto) issues. ¹