The chapter argues that it is in China's national interest to clarify its maritime zone claims and negotiate maritime boundary agreements with its neighbour states on the basis of international law, notably the law of the sea.
The chapter distinguishes between three disputes in the South China Sea: over navigational rights; sovereignty to islands, and delimitation of maritime zones. It argues, on the basis of China's need for territorial integrity, national security, energy security, environmental security, regional stability, global respect, and peaceful development that it is in China's interest to negotiate maritime boundary agreements with its neighbour countries, and suggests how this may be done.
