Timor-Leste is a small, coastal country in Southeast Asia, positioned between two larger maritime neighbours. To the north, west and east lies the Indonesian archipelago. To the south lies the vast Australian continent, about 300 nautical miles across the Timor Sea. There are currently no permanent maritime boundaries between Timor-Leste and either of its neighbours, Australia and Indonesia. As a newly independent State, it is a priority for Timor-Leste to complete its sovereignty and establish its borders both on land and in the sea. This paper tells the story of Timor-Leste's struggle for sovereignty over its seas—from the past to the present, and what it means for the future. To provide clarity and context on this complex issue, the paper summarises the relevant principles of the law of the sea and sets out Timor-Leste's position on where its permanent maritime boundaries should lie in accordance with international law.