Book Review of Isaac B. Kardon, China's Law of the Sea: The New Rules of Maritime Order

Abstract

The reviewed book is Isaac B. Kardon, China's Law of the Sea: The New Rules of Maritime Order, Yale University Press, 2023, ISBN 9780300271546 (Online) 9780300256475 (Print). As implied by the title, this book specifically examines China's approach to the law of the sea. It serves as the first comprehensive treatise that analyzes China's marine disputes from the perspectives of both international law and geopolitics. The author endeavors to evaluate the impact of China's practices on the rules of the law of the sea in local, regional, 1 and global contexts. The primary objective of the book is to determine whether China is challenging the existing maritime order or simply altering specific rules. Divided into six chapters, the book explores China's domestic laws and policies concerning defense, exploitation, research, management, surveying, and patrolling in its nearby seas, particularly in disputed waters. It covers topics such as geographic regulations, resource rules, navigation requirements, and dispute resolution rules. Special attention is given to the reactions of states specially affected by these practices, as the author argues that their responses are crucial in assessing the potential normative effects of China's preferred rules.