Joining the Law of the Sea Convention is a top priority for the United States. The convention sets forth a comprehensive legal framework governing uses of the oceans and protects and advances a broad range of U.S. interests, including U.S. national security and economic interests. There are now 162 parties to the convention, including almost all of the traditional allies of the United States.
The Law of the Sea Convention is one avenue toward peacefully resolving competing maritime claims that could otherwise lead to conflict, said Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, commander of U.S. Pacific Command. Story
Accession to the longstanding United Nations Law of the Sea Convention will have a positive impact on U.S. operations across the maritime domain, Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Story
As the globe’s preeminent maritime power, the United States has much to gain in ratifying the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said. Story
Ratifying the Law of the Sea Convention is the right thing to do for American national security, the U.S. military’s highest-ranking officer said. Story
Climate and environmental change are emerging as national security threats that weigh heavily in the Pentagon’s new strategy, Defense Secretary Panetta told an environmental group. Story
