"The fact is that the Department of Defense regularly conducts freedom of navigation operations around the world. In 2014, the Department of Defense challenged the excessive maritime claims of 18 different nations," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters at his daily news briefing.
"These are nations as diverse as Iran, around the Strait of Hormuz. And other nations with them we have much warmer relations, nations like Nicaragua, India and Brazil," Earnest said in response to a question.
According to Pentagon, in a one year period between October 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014, the United States challenged multiple times India's "excessive maritime claims" that authorisation is required for any foreign military movement in its exclusive economic zone.
Other countries whose maritime territorial claims were challenged during this period included Argentina, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Indonesia, Iran, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Nicaragua, Oman, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Venezuela and Vietnam.
"I think the (US) President delivered a pretty clear and resounding message in the rose garden when he was standing next to (Chinese) President Xi at the end of last month in which he declared, not for the first time, the United States will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere in the world that international law allows," Earnest said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
