The Evolution,Reasons and Implications of the Equidistance Line in International Maritime Delimitation Methodology
Both the"equidistance/special circumstances rule"as stipulated in Article 6 of the Convention on the Continental Shelf and the three-stage approach officially established in the 2009 Black Sea delimitation case underscores the importance of the equidistance line.Although the International Court of Justice and other judicial bodies deny the mandatory application of equidistance principle,its use in international judicial practice has become increasingly prevalent.A thorough examination reveals that predictability and operational convenience are the primary reasons for the widespread application of the equidistance principle in judicial practice.Additionally,maintaining consistency and continuity across cases is also an important reason for the judiciary to choose this delimitation method.In view of this,states that object to the application of equidistance principle due to territorial sovereignty disputes or a disproportionately long coastline,as well as the non-adjacency of continental shelves,should take a cautious attitude towards submitting relevant disputes to judicial or arbitration proceedings for resolution.
万方数据
维普
