Maritime conflict refers to disputes and tensions that arise over the use of oceanic resources, territorial waters, and navigation rights. These conflicts often involve nations contesting boundaries, fishing rights, or access to shipping lanes. Key areas of concern include the South China Sea, where multiple countries assert overlapping claims, and the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and resource opportunities. Such conflicts can escalate into military confrontations or diplomatic standoffs, impacting international relations and trade. Organizations like the United Nations work to mediate these disputes, promoting peaceful resolutions and adherence to international laws, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.