Book excerpt: In an increasingly complex and interlinked world, Malaysia’s dependence on the seas will continue to be shaped by a multitude of new, constantly evolving and multifaceted issues and challenges. Claims and counterclaims of maritime features and territories, the jostling for influence and space among naval powers, depletion of marine resources, pollution of the oceans and marine environment, climate change, sea level rise, impact of global economic vagaries on the maritime industry will continue to dominate Malaysia’s maritime agenda. These issues demand nuanced responses to ensure our manifold maritime interests are not compromised and the regional seas remain open for our use and for the benefit of the international community. Confronting and addressing them require proactive, creative and well thought-out policies and positions to safeguard national economic, sovereign and strategic interests, and to ensure our seas remain clean, safe, secure and bountiful for current and future use.