evidence: As a small state in a complicated region, Brunei has sought to maintain strong relations with both powers to protect and promote its interests. [...] The second concern is maritime characteristics. Two geographical features are located within Brunei's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the Louisa Reef (a low-tide elevation) and the Riflemen Bank (a submerged feature). Under international law, neither is entitled to a maritime zone (such as a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles or an EEZ of 200 nautical miles). Louisa Reef and Rifleman Bank have never been formally claimed by Brunei, although it appears to claim Rifleman Bank as part of its extended continental shelf. China and Vietnam both assert sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, which these two features are considered to be a part of. Malaysia relinquished its claim to Louisa Reef in 2019 in exchange for Brunei abandoning its territorial claim to Limbang in Sarawak. In addition, both countries agreed to jointly develop maritime resources in certain Malaysian-claimed areas of Brunei's EEZ. [...] Sufrizul Husseini is an associate researcher at the Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies, Brunei Darussalam.