With political resolution to maritime disputes in East and South East Asia unlikely in the near term, states with claims in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand must implement interim measures to leverage the unrealised benefits these waters hold for their long-term stability and prosperity, concludes a new report by the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR).

The Report “From Disputed Waters to Seas of Opportunity: Overcoming Barriers to Maritime Cooperation in East and South East Asia” examines the importance of maritime spaces to the economic and security needs of East and South East Asia. It explores how developments in this sphere affect the region’s stability, and makes specific policy recommendations on how to move forward in the absence of a resolution to disputes, including the implementation of confidence-building measures, joint development and management of living and non-living resources, and added clarity to claims based on international law.