Which of the following statements is true regarding international law of the sea?

The statement that the high seas beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are open to all coastal and landlocked states is true because it reflects the principle of freedom of the seas, which is a foundational aspect of international maritime law. According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the high seas are defined as areas that are not under the jurisdiction of any one nation, allowing all states—whether coastal or landlocked—equal rights to navigate, fish, conduct research, and exploit resources. This principle ensures that all nations can benefit from the ocean beyond their coastal boundaries, promoting equitable access to this vital global resource.

The other options do not accurately reflect international law. Private ownership of coastal state lands is not recognized in the context of maritime law, as coastlines fall under national jurisdiction but cannot be privately owned. Restricting access to the high seas solely to coastal states contradicts established norms that grant navigational freedom to all nations. Furthermore, stating that only coastal states can navigate the high seas disregards the fundamental right of landlocked states to access international waters, as established in various international agreements.