US word echoes 8 earlier ones however its no-consent clause for China, India

THE US Navy’s controversial public assertion on its freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone echoes its earlier statements as per a brand new Standard Operating Procedure starting November 2020 – with one telling change.
The US Navy’s Seventh Fleet issued statements after 9 Freedom of Navigation operations during which it challenged “excessive maritime claims” made by allies and adversaries alike — Russia, Japan, China, Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Maldives and India.
That this contains Quad companions Japan and India reveals that the statements are “country-neutral,” officers mentioned.
However, what is important is that the problem of “not requesting prior consent or permission” figured solely in statements with respect to China (South China Sea) on December 22, and India, Maldives and Sri Lanka in April.

ExplainedBad optics given Quad highlightThe US Navy’s new SOP has created concern in India particularly given the Quad grouping. Delhi’s view is that underlining “without India’s consent,” is counter-productive and “bad optics.” More so, since this language has been used with China, not Japan. And US has not picked on Canada or Australia to this point.

Incidentally, that phrase is lacking in different FONOP statements and that is what has prompted a number of pink faces in New Delhi.
Now either side try to dial down the rhetoric. On Saturday, a US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi, when contacted, instructed The Indian Express: “Earlier this week, the USS John Paul Jones, part of the Seventh fleet conducted a routine Freedom of Navigation operation in the Indian Ocean. This operation demonstrates longstanding U.S. support for international law and freedom of the seas worldwide. We value our partnership with India on a wide range of issues, including regional security across the Indo-Pacific.”
Under the brand new SOP, data present, US Navy statements asserting its rights and difficult extreme claims had been made:
n November 24, 2020: USS John S McCain in opposition to Russia’s claims within the Sea of Japan
n December 15: USNS Alan Shepard within the neighborhood of Tsushima Strait close to Japan.
n December 22: USS John McCain close to Spratly Islands, South China Sea. This assertion additionally underlined that US had asserted its rights “without giving prior notification to or asking permission from any of the claimants…China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.”
December 24: USS John S. McCain within the neighborhood of the Con Dao Islands within the South China Sea.
February 5, 2021: USS John S. McCain, close to Parcel Islands, South China Sea
February 17: USS Russell, Spratly Islands, South China Sea
March 31: USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10) close to Kuk-To Island, difficult South Korea’s claims.
April 3: USS John Paul Jones challenged Sri Lanka’s claims
April 7: USS John Paul challenged India’s and Maldives’ claims.

In the US, requested about India’s response over the US Navy’s transfer, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby mentioned: ” USS John Paul Jones, a Navy destroyer, asserted navigational rights and freedoms within the neighborhood of the Republic of the Maldives by conducting harmless passage by means of its territorial sea in regular operations inside its unique financial zone with out requesting prior permission”.
Earlier, asserting the operation, the assertion by the Seventh Fleet mentioned, “On April 7, 2021 (local time) USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) asserted navigational rights and freedoms approximately 130 nautical miles west of the Lakshadweep Islands, inside India’s exclusive economic zone, without requesting India’s prior consent, consistent with international law.”
“We continue to maintain the right, indeed the responsibility, to fly, sail, and operate in accordance with international law,” Kirby added.