ABSTRACT
Introduction Over the years, as a result of overlapping claims, disputes in the South China Sea regarding the exercise of rights of sovereignty and jurisdiction have increased, particularly with respect to the exploration and exploitation of non-living marine natural resources. The ongoing disputes have not prevented coastal States from undertaking seabed activities in these maritime areas, often without regard for the protection and preservation of the marine environment, or for the potential impacts that these activities might have on international navigation. Other unilateral actions have included the occupation by military force of many islands and features in order to hypothetically strengthen States’ claims to the adjacent maritime areas.
