As Beijing tightens maritime rules for foreign ships, Pentagon warns of 'serious threat' to freedom of navigation

The U.S. Department of Defense has accused Beijing of undermining international law after it tightened rules on foreign vessels sailing in its territorial waters amid tensions in the South China Sea.

“The United States remains adamant that any coastal state law or regulation must not violate the rights of navigation and transfer that all nations enjoy under international law," John Supple, a Pentagon spokesman, said, as quoted by the South China Morning Post.

Illegal and pervasive maritime requirements, including in the South China Sea, pose a serious threat to maritime freedom, including freedom of navigation and overflight, free trade and unhindered legal trade, and South China Sea and other rights and interests of coastal nations.

The statement from the Pentagon came after Beijing updated its maritime rules, which required certain types of foreign vessels to report ship and cargo information when sailing into China’s territorial waters. The new rules apply to submarines, nuclear vessels and ships carrying potentially dangerous cargo, such as oil, liquefied gas and other toxic chemicals.

China’s state-run Global Times news correspondent linked the change to maintaining the country’s national security along its maritime borders. Beijing previously argued that its actions were in strict accordance with international law of the sea.

The United States and China often accuse each other of increasing tensions and provocative behavior in the region by conducting naval exercises. Last week, Beijing sent warships to sail near Janese waters, just after Tokyo conducted a joint exercise with the United States, Britain and the Netherlands, which included the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris called on South Asian nations to help push Beijing when she toured the region last week. Chinese media reprimanded VP’s message and accused Harris of sowing disagreement among China’s neighbors, such as Vietnam.

“China strongly opposes US deploying maritime law enforcement forces in the South China Sea to interfere in regional affairs and disrupt regional peace and stability," That’s what China’s foreign ministry, Wang Wenbin, said at the time.

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