Lessons from Lassen: Plotting a Proper Course for Freedom of Navigation Operations in the South China Sea

• Author: Benjamin K. Wagner
• Pages: 137-138

US: Lessons from Lassen 137

IX JEAIL 1 (2016)

Benjamin K. Wagner

∗

The USS Lassen’s October 2015 South China Sea freedom of navigation operation

was exemplary in some respects and cautionary in others. This article argues the

Lassen’s mission to sail within 12 nautical miles of one of China’ 

was a successful albeit exploratory challenge because the operation has helped

to clarify maritime claims in the region and garnered international support for

continued operations. This paper examines the US Freedom of Navigation Program’s

  

also argues that increased transparency is essential if these goals are to be achieved.

This article analyzes China’   

the concept of “” 

concludes by presenting suggestions for plotting a proper path forward for FONOPs

in the region with an emphasis on protecting the marine environment.

Keywords



marine environment, China, FONOP, UNCLOS

Lessons from Lassen:

Plotting a Proper Course

for Freedom of Navigation

Operations in the South

China Sea

∗ Visiting Professor of International Law at University of Business and International Studies - Geneva. J.D. (U. Hawaii).

ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4068-7188. The author gratefully acknowledges financial assistance from the

Kyunghee University Research Fund. The author may be contacted at: ben.k.wagner@gmail.com/ Address: No.

637/639 Mahabandula Avenue, Latha Township Yangon, Myanmar.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14330/jeail.2016.9.1.07

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