Philippines and 59 Nations Commit to Defend Freedom of Navigation
The Philippines, together with 59 other countries, pledged to protect freedom of navigation and oppose restrictions on lawful maritime passage, citing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
On October 12, the Philippines joined a coalition of 59 states in a joint pledge to uphold unrestricted maritime travel and reject any limits on lawful navigation. The commitment was announced by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Participants highlighted that the principle is essential for global security and stressed the role of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the “constitution of the oceans.”
Why it matters
Upholding free navigation helps maintain global trade routes and reinforces international law at sea.
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