Numerous northern states have asserted sovereignty over parts of the Arctic, nevertheless they are often conflicting with other countries or the indigenous nations that reside on the lands. This also means that if any commercial ships were to pass through the waters and come into any danger, there is no sole jurisdiction’s whose responsibility it would be to conduct search and rescue operations.

The South China Sea is the economic heartbeat of East Asia’s future.Approximately 50% of the world’s shipping flowing through its arteries — double that of the Suez Canal and Panama Canal combined. Its development is central to China’s Maritime Silk Road and is crucial to the economies of the region more generally. But amidst great opportunity lies danger in the form of unresolved territorial disputes.