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 consi...
