’The South China Sea has long been an area of tension primarily because of the overlapping sovereignty claims and consequent actions by the regional States over the small rocks and other maritime features that dot the area. In addition, the South China Sea has been the locale of numerous incidents between China and the United States that have arisen as a result of their differing views of the operational meaning of freedom of the seas legal principle. This collection of essays, from a diverse set of authors, provides keen insights into the legal and political background of these continuing issues.’ Ted L. McDorman, University of Victoria, Canada ’This book is a valuable set of essays on the very important issues raised concerning the rights of various States to islands, reefs, waters, and resources in the South China Sea. It is timely, informative, and presents a variety of points of view, especially those of highly capable Chinese scholars. A must read for those interested in figuring out the proper role of Law of the Sea tribunals.’ Abraham D. Sofaer, Stanford University, USA