China exposes illegality of US naval strategy of "freedom of navigation"

The China Institute for Marine Affairs, under the Ministry of Natural Resources, published a bilingual report on Monday asserting that the U.S. concept of "freedom of navigation" lacks grounding in international laws and serves as a geopolitical tool to exert military pressure and expand unilateral maritime rights.

The report analyzes the United States' legal stance and practices concerning "freedom of navigation," with particular attention to its statements and actions under the "freedom of navigation program."

It explores key issues including the innocent passage of warships, transit rights, the definition of "international waters," the legal status of islands, straight baselines, military activities within exclusive economic zones, and historic waters. Through this lens, the report outlines the core claims, defining features, and broader implications of the American interpretation of "freedom of navigation."

"As experts and scholars, we believe it's necessary to conduct an analysis of certain claims and practices by the U.S. regarding its so-called 'freedom of navigation operations' based on international laws. From an academic research perspective, in fact, its significance lies in exposing that the so-called 'freedom of navigation operations' of the U.S. side is actually a rather hypocritical concept," said Xu Heyun, deputy head of China Institute for Marine Affairs under the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The report also highlighted that the concept of "freedom of navigation" includes numerous so-called customary international laws, with self-created concepts and self-set standards by the U.S., which are contrary to international law and the practices of many countries. Through these claims and actions, the U.S. has done its utmost to restrict the legitimate rights and interests of other countries, expand their rights and freedoms, and obtain the "freedom" that is not bound by law.

It brings out that the "freedom of navigation" lacks a basis in international laws and seriously distorts the interpretation and development of international laws. At the same time, highlighting the power logic of "gunboat diplomacy" and reflecting the common practice of the U.S. in using military force to pressure other countries.

The report concludes that the U.S. concept of "freedom of navigation" primarily serves its own national interests and geopolitical strategy, adding that it undermines regional peace and stability through military force, disrupting the international maritime order, and embodying clear illegality, irrationality, and double standards.

China exposes illegality of US naval strategy of "freedom of navigation"

China exposes illegality of US naval strategy of "freedom of navigation"

A Japanese opposition leader has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over recent remarks perceived as challenging Japan's long-standing non-nuclear principles and shifting the country's post-war security stance.

Mizuho Fukushima, a member of Japan's House of Councillors and leader of the Social Democratic Party, noted that Japan must firmly uphold its "Three Non-Nuclear Principles."

She called recent suggestions by some government officials that Japan could possess nuclear weapons a severe challenge to these principles and "completely unacceptable."

"Japan is the only country in the world to have suffered atomic bombings. Therefore, it should steadfastly adhere to the 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles.' The principles themselves are of utmost importance. Yet, government officials have made statements supporting nuclear armament and the possession of nuclear weapons, which I think is completely unacceptable. Some argue that 'discussion itself is permissible,' but that is not the case. Atomic bomb survivors already feel an intense sense of crisis merely from such discussions emerging. The 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' must be upheld. Japan must absolutely not pursue nuclear armament," she said.

Fukushima also directly criticized Takaichi's recent statements, demanding a retraction and political accountability.

"Takaichi's recent remarks regarding a 'survival-threatening situation' not only violate Japan's constitution but also contradict the definition of such a situation within our own security-related laws. Therefore, Takaichi must retract her erroneous statements. Otherwise, are we to understand that if a conflict breaks out in another country or region, Japan would launch military attacks? This would lead to utterly absurd and unacceptable consequences. Thus, Takaichi should retract this statement. If she does not retract it, her cabinet should step down," she said.

Japanese lawmaker condemns Takaichi's remarks on nuclear weapons