Abstract
This article examines the possible contribution of a declaration on “navigational rights” in the sea-lanes of the Asia-Pacific as a confidence-building measure. It defines “navigational rights” with the help of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The degree of acceptance of the provisions of UNCLOS is outlined with a focus on the countries of the Asia-Pacific. The advantages and problems associated with a possible declaration on “navigational rights” as a confidence-building measure are discussed and assessed. It is argued that countries in the region can agree upon navigational rights without prejudicing their territorial claims, using UNCLOS as the key guiding principle.
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