A Chinese government-affiliated research institute has sharply criticized U.S. naval activities in Asian waters, sparking fresh debates about maritime law and regional security. The China Institute for Marine Affairs released findings Sunday arguing that Washington's 'freedom of navigation' operations violate international legal principles while advancing American geopolitical interests.
The 28-page analysis contends the U.S. employs self-defined interpretations of maritime law that conflict with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Researchers highlighted multiple instances where American naval maneuvers allegedly prioritized military objectives over established international norms.
Key Report Findings
1. The U.S. approach allegedly distorts legal interpretations to justify military presence near other nations' territories 2. Operations reportedly increased by 58% in Asian waters since 2015 3. 73% of surveyed international legal experts questioned the consistency of U.S. actions with UNCLOS
Ministry of Natural Resources spokesperson Li Wei told KhabarAsia: 'This report underscores the need for dialogue-based solutions that respect all nations' maritime rights.' The analysis comes amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait regions.
