Maritime Disputes in the EEZ and the UNCLOS: Nicaragua-Colombia Disputes and Its Implication to the Asian Maritime Disputes

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) establishes a functional order by defining and allocating jurisdiction among states. This structured system serves to mitigate conflicts at sea and facilitates the resolution of disputes. To substantiate this assertion, this article conducts a case study on the maritime conflicts in the Caribbean Sea, focusing on the tensions between Nicaragua and Colombia. A detailed analysis is provided, particularly delving into the International Court of Justice’s judgment on the Alleged Violations of Sovereign Rights and Maritime Spaces in the Caribbean Sea of 21 April 2022. Drawing parallels with conflicts in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, the Caribbean dispute involves territorial disagreements and competing maritime claims among neighboring nations. The root causes often revolve around conflicting assertions of sovereignty, competing interests in resource exploitation, and disagreements over the exercise of freedom of navigation rights. By examining the intricacies of the Nicaragua-Colombia case, this article contributes to a comprehensive understanding of how the UNCLOS functions as a vital framework for managing and resolving maritime conflicts.