ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses issues associated with the impact of the arbitration case on regional maritime security both traditional and non-traditional. It acknowledges that the concept of maritime security is now much wider and more diverse than the traditional one of defence against military threats and the protection of national interests and sovereignty at sea. Under the theme of comprehensive security, the concept now includes non-traditional maritime security issues, such as piracy, terrorism, natural disasters, climate change, illegal fishing, marine pollution, maritime safety and the smuggling of drugs. Dealing with these issues can be seen as part of the obligations of countries bordering the South China Sea under Part IX of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It concludes that while on balance it would have been better overall for regional maritime security if the Philippines had not launched its unilateral action, China could save the situation now by deciding to participate in the tribunal's proceedings.
