· In early 2026, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz precipitated an unprecedented maritime crisis, cutting off approximately 20% of global seaborne oil trade. The resulting cascade — surging international oil prices, severe disruption of global supply chains, and an acute energy security emergency across Asia — delivered a profound shock to the international community. Far exceeding the dimensions of a regional security incident, the Hormuz crisis has come to be regarded as a compound challenge to the very foundations of the rules-based international maritime order.
· This session provides a multidimensional examination of the legal, security, and economic challenges posed by the crisis, and charts a path toward strategic responses. Specifically, it reviews the legal issues and implementation challenges surrounding freedom of navigation and international straits under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); analyzes the multi-layered maritime security threats arising from the crisis and their impact on global supply chains; and articulates the international cooperation agenda and medium- to long-term strategic directions needed to overcome the current crisis and prevent a recurrence.