ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses Possibility of US Accession to the (Law of the Sea) LOS Convention and its Potential Impact on State Practices and Maritime Claims in the South China Sea. It examines the recent development in US efforts to ratify the LOS Convention and assesses the possibility of joining the treaty by the United States during the 112th Congress. The chapter studies the potential impact of US accession to the LOS Convention on state practices and maritime claims in the South China Sea. It reviews previous efforts made by the government of the United States to ratify the LOS convention. And then analyzes the Obama administration's support and attempt to become a party to the treaty. It also explores the possibility of US accession to the LOS Convention during the 112th Congress. The chapter examines US responses to "excessive maritime claims" made by some countries that border the South China Sea.
