The exclusive economic zone is one of the important sea areas that have an essential role in the economy and military of a country. So what are exclusive economic zones? How is the legal status of exclusive economic zones in Vietnam?
Article table of contents
Legal status of exclusive economic zones in Vietnam(Illustration)
1. What are exclusive economic zones?
Pursuant to Article 15 of the 2012 Law on Vietnamese sea 2012, the exclusive economic zone is defined as follows:
The exclusive economic zones are adjacent sea zones and outside of Vietnam’s territorial sea, which combine with territorial waters into a sea area with the breadth of 200 nautical miles measured from baselines.
2. How is the legal status of exclusive economic zones in Vietnam?
Article 16 of the Law on Vietnamese sea 2012 stipulates the legal status of exclusive economic zones as follows:
- In exclusive economic zones, the state performs:
+ The right of sovereignty relating to exploration, exploitation, management and conservation of resources in water areas over sea beds, sea beds and underground areas under the sea beds; regarding to other activities to explore and exploit this area for economic purpose;
+ The national jurisdiction on install and use artificial islands, equipment and works on sea; study on sea science, protection and conservation of sea environment;
+ Other rights and obligations in conformity with international law.
- The State respects the International Treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a signatory
+ The state respects to the freedom on aviation and maritime;
+ The right to put underground cables, pipes and operations using sea legally of other countries in the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam under this law and International treaties of which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member, being not prejudicial to right of sovereignty, national jurisdiction and national benefits at sea of Vietnam.
+The install of cables and underground pipes must have acceptance in writing of competent state agencies of Vietnam.
- In the exclusive economic zones, organizations and individuals allow to:
Participate in exploration, use, exploitation of resources, scientific study, install of equipment and works in exclusive economic zones of Vietnam on the grounds of international treaties of which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member, contracts signed under provisions of Vietnam’s law or permission of the Vietnam’s Government, in conformity with relevant international law.
In addition, rights related to sea beds and subsoil under sea beds specified in this Article are implemented as prescribed in Article 17 and Article 18 of Law on Vietnamese sea 2012.
Ngoc Nhi
