Book review: Sea rovers, silver and Samurai: maritime East Asia in global history, 1550-1700

As it seeks to expand its maritime presence, China is laying claim to sovereignty in the East and South China Sea, an area that comprises hundreds of islets and archipelagos. Yet, China is not the only power to lay claim to territorial control over the region. Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines, respectively, have also firmly voiced counterclaims to China’s assertion. These recent disputes have turned the East Asian Sea into a troubled maritime realm; and, if it is not carefully managed, it could turn part of Asia’s maritime regions from thriving trade channels to arenas of sea battles.