“Limits in the Seas No. 143” by the U.S. Department of State analyzes China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea. Released on December 5, 2014, this publication explores the historical and legal dimensions of China’s territorial assertions, shedding light on the complex issues surrounding the South China Sea disputes and their implications on international law and regional security.

This study is one of a series issued by the Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs in the Department of State. The purpose of the series is to examine a coastal State’s maritime claims and/or boundaries and assess their consistency with international law. This study represents the views of the United States Government only on the specific matters discussed therein and does not necessarily reflect an acceptance of the limits claimed.

This study, and earlier studies in this series, may be downloaded from http://www.state.gov/e/oes/ocns/opa/c16065.htm. Comments and questions should be emailed to LimitsInTheSeas@state.gov. Principal analysts for this study are Kevin Baumert and Brian Melchior.