Cambodia Chooses UNCLOS for Maritime Boundary Dispute Resolution

The Cambodian government has officially announced its choice to adopt an approach based on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for resolving maritime boundary issues. This decision clearly demonstrates the nation's commitment to seeking peaceful and constructive solutions in accordance with international law. According to the government's statement, this choice is specifically for Cambodia's maritime boundary disputes and aims to resolve them through dialogue with relevant countries, following the framework and procedures provided by UNCLOS. UNCLOS comprehensively stipulates a wide range of matters concerning the sea, including the legal status of the sea, resource utilization, and the protection of the marine environment, and it is a fundamental principle of the law of the sea widely accepted by the international community. In recent years, as Cambodia has promoted economic development, the importance of resource exploration within its territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has increased. The demarcation of maritime boundaries is essential for the sustainable use of these resources and for maintaining stable relations with neighboring countries. The selection of UNCLOS-based resolution mechanisms is seen as an indication of Cambodia's intention to prioritize diplomatic means and promote regional stability and cooperation. This approach aims to prevent the escalation of disputes and ensure a transparent resolution process by avoiding unilateral actions and respecting international norms and procedures. Cambodia expects to reach mutually acceptable agreements through sincere consultations with relevant countries, based on the principles of UNCLOS.