Maritime Law and Geopolitics in the Asian Region

Postgraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
LAWS 5054
Course ID icon
Course ID
204066
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
5
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course will address the competing claims made in relation to the South China Sea by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It will principally focus on the Law of the Sea Convention and its application to the resolution of disputes with particular reference to the legal arguments invoked by China, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Australian and US reactions to such arguments. Dispute resolution processes as contained within the Law of the Sea Convention as well as principles of law that may be unilaterally invoked in support of claims will be canvassed. Given China's prominence in this arena there will be special attention placed on Chinese conceptions of governance (based on cultural, historical, and political attitudes) as well as general precepts of maritime strategy as a basis for developing a deeper understanding of the regional political, military and strategic dynamics. A central question in this analysis will be how to understand China's approach to its national identity as it seeks to assume a role of regional leadership and how this translates into legal arguments and claims advanced.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A