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AUC IURIDICA, Vol 70 No 3 (2024), 143–158
Vymezení umělých ostrovů v mezinárodním mořském právu a jeho význam pro spory v Jihočínském moři
[The Definition of Artificial Islands in the International Law of the Sea and Its Relevance to Disputes in the South China Sea]
Marek Janata
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14712/23366478.2024.142
published online: 10. 09. 2024
abstract
This paper explores the concept of islands in international law and its implications for the South China Sea dispute. Islands are important for various reasons, such as territorial sovereignty, maritime rights, and natural resources. However, the legal binding definition of artificial islands has not been enacted by any international document until now. This paper traces the historical development of the concept of islands, from the Hague Conference in 1930 to the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982. It also analyses the challenges and opportunities of artificial islands, which are man-made structures that can serve different purposes but can also create various legal and environmental problems. Artificial islands are especially relevant for the South China sea dispute, which involves multiple costal states, while China has significant geopolitical and economic implications. This paper argues that the South China Sea dispute can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue, based on international law framework. Taking into account the provisions of UNCLOS, South China Sea dispute, state practise, and legal scholarship, this article aims to unpack the complexities surrounding artificial island and implications of artificial islands on the international relations.
keywords: law of the sea; artificial islands; South China dispute
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