Amid threats, like-minded nations boost effort to keep sea lanes open for trade, security

The United States, along with its allies and partners, has emphasized the critical importance of maintaining open waterways for global shipping. 

To ensure the safe passage of cargo and military vessels through vital maritime routes, U.S. military commands, including Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) and Central Command (USCENTCOM), are enhancing their Combined Joint All-Domain Operations (CJADO) campaign. This initiative focuses on preserving sea lines of communication (SLOCs) across crucial oceans and seas, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where over 80% of global goods transported by ship navigate through strategic chokepoints like the Malacca and Taiwan Straits.

Recent exercises and operations by allied navies, air forces, and armies aim to safeguard these routes, employing advanced technologies such as satellites, sensors, and uncrewed drones to improve maritime domain awareness. Information sharing among international partners is crucial in identifying and countering malign activities threatening these essential passageways. Despite these efforts, aggressive actions by certain state and non-state actors continue to challenge maritime security.

In June 2024, for instance, Chinese forces attacked Philippine resupply missions in the South China Sea, specifically targeting boats near the Second Thomas Shoal. This incident, characterized by the aggressive use of force against Philippine sailors—resulting in injuries and the destruction of supplies—demonstrates China's blatant disregard for international law, particularly following a 2016 tribunal ruling affirming the Philippines' rights to the area. Similarly, Houthi rebels in Yemen have disrupted shipping in the Gulf of Aden, with attacks on commercial vessels leading to casualties and a significant impact on global trade.

Adm. John Aquilino, former commander of USINDOPACOM, has articulated concerns over the increasingly aggressive posture of potential adversaries, which undermines a rules-based international order. He emphasized that while conflict is not inevitable, the threats posed by these actors necessitate a robust response from the U.S. and its allies.

The CJADO campaign specifically addresses the need for heightened cooperation among U.S. Combatant Commands and international partners to protect maritime trade routes. Notable exercises, such as freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs), have been conducted with more than 13 ships and aircraft simultaneously navigating nine vital sea lanes worldwide. These actions reflect a commitment to integrated deterrence and underscore the strategic importance of maintaining open and secure maritime pathways.

In summary, the ongoing CJADO campaign highlights the United States' proactive approach to countering maritime threats and ensuring the free flow of trade across critical waterways. The combined efforts of allied forces and advanced technology are essential to countering aggression and safeguarding international maritime law, reinforcing the principles of a cooperative and rules-based order in the face of growing challenges.