A Response to Pedrozo: The Wider Utility of Hydrographic Surveys

The author agrees with most of the Pedrozo article on the right to conduct military activities in China's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with the notable exception of its discussion of the relationship between hydrographic surveys and marine scientific research. The arguments in the article that hydrographic surveying in an EEZ is not under the jurisdiction of the coastal State are anachronistic. They do not stand up in the light of customary practice, the current economic utility of hydrographic data, technological developments and the requirement of a coastal State for hydrographic data to manage its EEZ and coastal zone effectively and to exploit the resources of its EEZ. Dialogue to resolve these differences of view regarding rights and duties in an EEZ is important if we are to have effective management of EEZs and good order at sea in the Asia-Pacific. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]