On August 25, the China Institute for Marine Affairs of Ministry of Natural Resources released the Report of Legal Assessment of the United States' "Freedom of Navigation".

The Assessment examines the United States' legal positions and actions on freedom of navigation, particularly those in relation to its “Freedom of Navigation Program” and summarizes the claims, characteristics, and implications of U.S. “freedom of navigation”.

The Assessment points out that the U.S. “Freedom of Navigation” contains numerous so-called customary international law based on U.S.-created concepts and self-imposed standards, which are inconsistent with international law and many state practices. The U.S. uses these claims to curtail the legitimate rights and interests of other countries and expand its rights and freedoms in order to achieve unfettered“freedom.”
 

The Assessment concludes that U.S. “Freedom of Navigation” lacks a basis in international law and seriously distorts the interpretation and development of international law. It perpetuates the logic of “gunboat diplomacy” and reflects the usual practice of the U.S. using military force to pressure other countries. U.S. “Freedom of Navigation” serves the national interests and geopolitical strategy of the United States, and risks threatening regional peace and stability with military force and disrupting the international maritime order. It embodies distinct illegality, unreasonableness and double standards.

The project “Legal Assessment of the United States'‘Freedom of Navigation’” was initiated by the China Institute for Marine Affairs under the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China (CIMA).  Professionals from multiple Chinese universities and institutes contributed to the report.