Law of the Sea and Maritime Security

The Department of State and Meridian International Center worked to ensure that the following objectives were met throughout the duration of the visitors' program:

• Explore how customary international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, applies in the South China Sea and the Pacific;
• Analyze issues affecting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS) and the Pacific, including piracy and territorial claims;
• Assess the roles of international stakeholders;
• Observe inter‑agency coordination and approaches to maritime security operations; and
• Discuss U.S. and multi‑lateral policy and cooperative efforts in SCS territorial and maritime disputes.