freedom of navigation
Noun
Meaning
freedom of navigation (uncountable)
The principle in customary international law that ships flying the flag of a sovereign state shall not suffer interference from other states, unless when excepted by international law.
Examples
Freedom of navigation operations pertain to contested waterways or boundaries contrary to UNCLOS.
The ship, and the eight squadrons comprising CAG Five, conducted Freedom of Navigation Operations and Allied Exercises throughout Seventh Fleet.
The US frequently sails warships into the South China Sea to challenge Beijing’s claims, in maneuvers dubbed Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs).