Which principle governs the determination of the extent of the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone?

Which principle governs the determination of the extent of the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone?

• A. Median Line Principle
• B. Proximity Principle
• C. Territorial Principle
• D. Equidistant Principle

Answer: (D)

The main principle here is that maritime boundaries with neighboring states are typically drawn along a line where every point is equally distant from the two coasts’ baselines—the equidistant, or median line. Under UNCLOS, a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from its baselines, but when two states have adjacent or opposite coasts, the delimiting boundary between their EEZs is usually set along this equidistant line to ensure fairness and avoid favoring one side. In practice, the Philippines would use this equidistant approach to determine where its 200-mile zone meets that of its neighbors, with possible adjustments for equity or relevant circumstances. The other ideas don’t fit because proximity-based delimitation isn’t the legal method for EEZ boundaries, and the territorial principle relates to sovereignty over land and territorial seas rather than delimiting offshore zones.

The main principle here is that maritime boundaries with neighboring states are typically drawn along a line where every point is equally distant from the two coasts’ baselines—the equidistant, or median line. Under UNCLOS, a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone extends up to 200 nautical miles from its baselines, but when two states have adjacent or opposite coasts, the delimiting boundary between their EEZs is usually set along this equidistant line to ensure fairness and avoid favoring one side. In practice, the Philippines would use this equidistant approach to determine where its 200-mile zone meets that of its neighbors, with possible adjustments for equity or relevant circumstances. The other ideas don’t fit because proximity-based delimitation isn’t the legal method for EEZ boundaries, and the territorial principle relates to sovereignty over land and territorial seas rather than delimiting offshore zones.