We note, with guarded optimism, China's recent statement "that the freedom and safety of navigation in the South China Sea is assured." The freedom of navigation is a customary right under international law, specifically the United Nations Convention of the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS). Its existence does not depend solely on the will or assurance of one or any individual State.

Freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea: (Statement of the Department of Affairs). (2012, September 10). Panay News, p. 9.