US says new Chinese rule that vessels register for South China Sea access threatens freedom of navigation
- Maritime regulations ‘must not infringe upon rights enjoyed by all nations under international law’, says Pentagon spokesman
- New rule is supposed to apply to the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and the islands and reefs dotted across the water that Beijing claims as its territory
The Pentagon on Wednesday appeared to dismiss Beijing’s new demand that all foreign ships entering the South China Sea must register with Chinese maritime authorities, calling it a “serious threat” to freedom of navigation and trade.
“The United States remains firm that any coastal state law or regulation must not infringe upon navigation and overflight rights enjoyed by all nations under international law,” said John Supple, a Pentagon spokesman, in response to questions about China’s decree this week.
“Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims, including in the South China Sea, pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded lawful commerce, and the rights and interests of South China Sea and other littoral nations,” he said.
The comments came two days after China announced that foreign vessels entering Chinese “territorial waters” would have to report their ship and cargo information to the country’s maritime authorities.
The rule is supposed to apply to the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and the various islands and reefs dotted across the water that Beijing claims as its inalienable territory.
