The countries in East Asia continue to have problems in maritime boundary delimitation. The collision on September 7, 2010 between a Chinese fishing vessel (Minjinyu) and a Japanese patrol boat in the waters near Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands is interesting to observe as a step in dispute settlement process. The differences between the PRC and Japan on maritime boundary delimitation for the East China Sea and the legal status of Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands are demonstrated by this incident. To see things in their context, it is necessary to observe the practices of East Asian countries in handling their maritime boundary delimitations, especially those involving islands with disputed legal status. The rules of international law relating to the pacific settlement of dispute and maritime delimitation dispute resolution, which involve a preliminary sovereignty dispute over islands, are also relevant as a much broader background. The author will examine why certain maritime delimitation cases are particularly hard to handle. The lessons drawn from this paper is inspiring for Taiwan, a long-time marginalized player in East Asian regional affairs. The author will examine the difficulties and opportunities for Taiwan in maritime boundary delimitation and offer a suggestion on how to accomplish such task with neighboring countries.

Problems and Practices in Maritime Delimitation in East Asia
  1. Introduction
  2. Legal Framework for Settling Problems of Maritime Delimitation in East Asia
  3. Practices of Maritime Delimitation by East Asian Countries
  4. Taiwan’s Situation for the Maritime Boundary Delimitation
  5. Concluding Remarks: Prospects for Waters surrounding Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands and Advices for Taiwan

• Michael Sheng-ti Gau(International Law at National Taiwan Ocean University)