Exclusive Economic Zones in the South China Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: A Comparative Study on a Strategic Issue

Dr. Michail Ploumis

Abstract: Driven by the friction in the South China Sea between China and other coastal states, this article briefly compares the South China Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and identifies similarities, threats and opportunities between the littoral countries regarding the delimitation of their EEZs as well as risks for global powers to be drawn into a crisis or conflict regarding these matters. It also provides some recommendations to solve friction and disputes based in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Keywords: Exclusive Economic Zones, UNCLOS, South China Sea, Eastern Mediterranean Sea