Panel 1: The Coast Guard as Guardians of the Rule of Law at Sea
In much of Southeast Asia, coast guard organizations have become the primary agencies in maintaining maritime safety and security, often in sea-areas within national jurisdiction. Over the past couple of years however, the increasing prevalence of grey-zone coercion at sea has made coast guards more than just constabulary maritime forces. They are now playing important roles in ensuring that littoral states of the South China Sea maintain their jurisdiction over their territorial seas, exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, in accordance with international law. This panel will focus on the roles of Coast Guard Agencies in securing the rule of law in the South China Sea.