Assessing the impact of the South China Sea Award on small island states: A case study of Kiribati

The Annex VII Tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration placed a high threshold

on States seeking to claim an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) around small features.

The implications of such an interpretation are potentially significant for the maritime

jurisdiction of a number of States, particularly in the Pacific. This article considers

the implications of the decision of the Tribunal, and applies it to Kiribati as a case

study. It also considers possible ways States may minimize the risk associated with the

Tribunal’s interpretation.