Latest news with #freedomofnavigation
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Secure waterways vital to trade, stability: Oman at UN
New York, USA – Oman has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding regional and international maritime navigation, describing secure sea routes as critical to the global movement of trade and energy supplies. Addressing a high-level session on maritime security at the United Nations Security Council in New York, H E Omar bin Saeed al Kathiri, Oman's Permanent Representative to the UN, said the sultanate recognises the legal, humanitarian and security responsibilities linked to protecting international shipping lanes. 'Oman has consistently aligned its national laws with international legal frameworks, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,' he said. 'This ensures the freedom of navigation, clarifies the responsibilities of coastal and transit states, and supports the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.' He referenced Oman's recent mediation in the region, which led to a ceasefire agreement announced on May 6 to allow safe passage through the Red Sea and Bab al Mandab Strait. 'The mediation reflects Oman's wider efforts to de-escalate regional tensions and promote maritime stability.' © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
China slams Aus over military exercises
China has criticised Australia for participating in joint military exercises with the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Last week, The Royal Australian Navy's destroyer HMAS Sydney participated in a guided missile frigate with the Philippine navy, involving aircrafts from both the US and the Philippines. While China's coast guard continues to clash with vessels from the Philippines over the past 18 months, several countries, including Australia have joined military exercises with the Philippines in the waters. However, China has accused Australia, the United States and the Philippines of 'creating trouble.' China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the US was using the Philippines as a 'pawn' against China, and accusing Manila of 'flexing' military muscles which will 'only backfire'. 'The US and other countries outside the region have patched up small groupings in the South China Sea to stoke confrontation in the name of co-operation, flex military muscles in the name of freedom, and create trouble in the name of upholding order,' he told reporters in Beijing. 'They are the biggest source of risks undermining the peace and stability in the South China Sea.' While Australia hasn't responded to China's stance, the Department of Defence said the drills are a chance to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the countries' armed forces. 'Australia and our partners share a commitment to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, and other maritime rights under international law, particularly in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,' it said. 'By training and operating together, forces can build upon shared tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges. 'This is the second MCA involving the Australian Defence Force this year, following HMAS Hobart's participation in a multilateral MCA on 6 February with Japan, the Philippines and the United States.'
News.com.au
09-05-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
‘Trouble': China slams Australia over military exercises
China has criticised Australia for participating in joint military exercises with the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Last week, The Royal Australian Navy's destroyer HMAS Sydney participated in a guided missile frigate with the Philippine navy, involving aircrafts from both the US and the Philippines. While China's coast guard continues to clash with vessels from the Philippines over the past 18 months, several countries, including Australia have joined military exercises with the Philippines in the waters. However, China has accused Australia, the United States and the Philippines of 'creating trouble.' China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the US was using the Philippines as a 'pawn' against China, and accusing Manila of 'flexing' military muscles which will 'only backfire'. 'The US and other countries outside the region have patched up small groupings in the South China Sea to stoke confrontation in the name of co-operation, flex military muscles in the name of freedom, and create trouble in the name of upholding order,' he told reporters in Beijing. 'They are the biggest source of risks undermining the peace and stability in the South China Sea.' While Australia hasn't responded to China's stance, the Department of Defence said the drills are a chance to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the countries' armed forces. 'Australia and our partners share a commitment to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, and other maritime rights under international law, particularly in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,' it said. 'By training and operating together, forces can build upon shared tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges. 'This is the second MCA involving the Australian Defence Force this year, following HMAS Hobart's participation in a multilateral MCA on 6 February with Japan, the Philippines and the United States.'
