Abstract
In 1974, Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) concluded a joint development agreement concerning the continental shelf where their respective maritime claims overlapped. However, there has been no oil or gas production from the joint development zone. Therefore, after five decades of the agreement being in force, and because it can be unilaterally terminated after 2028, it is appropriate to consider what happens next for Japan and RoK in the East China Sea. Looking forward, the authors consider that the framework for post-2028 could take one of three forms: maintaining the status quo, terminating the joint development agreement, or strengthening or modifying the agreement. This study examines geopolitical and legal factors in considering these options and highlights the types of changes required to strengthen the joint development regime between Japan and RoK in the East China Sea.
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