Military ships and planes operating in the exclusive economic zone of another country

Countries disagree on the law governing military activities by one country in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of another country. Although the maritime countries view the Law of the Sea Convention as permitting navies to operate in the EEZs of other countries just as they operate on the high seas, some coastal countries argue that different rules apply, in order to protect coastal resources and the marine environment, as well as coastal populations. Marine scientific research can be conducted only with the consent of the coastal state, but countries disagree whether hydrographic surveying should be viewed as marine scientific research. This paper surveys recent incidents involving military activities in the EEZ and examines the competing views on these issues.