The Philippines and Malaysia lay claim to resources under and around the Spratly Islands. Which of the following best explains how the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) influences claims to
the islands by both countries? *
(A) The claims to the Spratly Islands by both the Philippines and Malaysia overlap
due to exclusive economic zones up to 200 nautical miles from their coasts
(B) The Philippines and Malaysia both claim the islands lie within their territorial
seas up to 12 nautical miles from their coasts
(C) The claims to the islands by the Philippines and Malaysia overlap due to the
median line principle.
(D) The Philippines and Malaysia both claim ownership to the resources based on a
historic possession of the islands.
(E) The Philippines and Malaysia both claim the islands lie within their contiguous
zones between 12 and 24 nautical miles from their coasts.