近年來,南海情勢日趨緊張,南海周遭國家與其他利害相關國家覬覦南海戰略位置、資源開發與海洋自由,利益上有極大衝突。因此,各國相繼在這個區域藉由進行相關軍事活動鞏固國家本身之利益,南海海域產生海上軍事衝突之壓力因而日增。本文主要強調海洋和平使用之原則,並以《1982年聯合國海洋法公約》所建立之海洋分區為基礎,參酌過去國家實踐之例,探討海洋軍事使用之相關規範,以及在面臨海上武力威脅時,相關國家可以主張自衛權之限度。藉由此一研究探討,將可尋得一定模式,作為國家本身藉由軍事活動在主張與捍衛權利時之參考。最後,本文強調海洋軍事使用,必須適當顧及沿海國、其他國家與國際社會之利益、和平使用海洋、誠實履行義務,乃至於禁止使用武力原則,都應該是要被遵守的,如此才能維護《1982年聯合國海洋法公約》所欲建立之海洋秩序。
In recent years, the situation of the South China Sea is increasingly tense. States bordering the South China Sea and other interested States are having an eye on the conflicted interests in this region, including the natural resources and the freedom of the seas. In order to assure their own interests, activities of military uses in this region are rising. The South China Sea is, therefore, under the pressure of military conflict. This paper, based on this background, emphasizes the peaceful uses of the seas, investigates relevant norms regarding military uses of the seas under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOS Convention). It examines the extent of the right of self-defense that States can claim when facing the threat of force at sea and the various forms of military activities in different maritime zones. Through this investigation, the model of the State practice can be referred for future conflicts. This paper, finally, highlights that in order to ensure the marine order established under the LOS Convention, States using the seas for military purposes shall have due regard to the rights and duties of relevant States, fulfil in good faith the obligations under the LOS Convention and make peaceful uses of the seas.