International Coast Guards Will Rescue Freedom of Navigation
Abstract
Chinas ever-expanding illegitimate and excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea are eliminating the rules-based order and restricting the rights of nations to exercise freedom of navigation upon the high seas. These lawless actions must be curtailed now before China increases enforcement of its newly updated Maritime Traffic Safety Law within their self proclaimed nine-dash line, as well as before they attempt to comport themselves in a similar manner elsewhere in the world, such as in the Arctic or Mediterranean. To counter China in this space, USINDOPACOM must lead international Coast Guard flotillas that will conduct near continuous FONOPs within 12 miles of all artificially reclaimed Chinese islands. These maritime partners will capitalize on their less lethal nature and law enforcement tenets to ensure potential altercations do not lead to armed conflict and that Chinas extensive lawfare doctrine is contained. The global community acting with a singular focus increases legitimacy and inhibits China from carrying out similar actions elsewhere in the world. Countering Chinas aspirations to upend international norms is critical to maintaining the status quo that has prevented high-intensity world conflict since 1945.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1176634
Entities
People
- Philip J. Granati
Organizations
- Naval War College