North Indy News

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has joined several Senate colleagues in reintroducing a resolution that calls for the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This convention outlines nations' rights and responsibilities regarding global oceans, including business guidelines and marine resource management, while aiming to protect these rights and avoid conflicts.

Senator Young emphasized the importance of U.S. involvement: “The United States cannot cede global leadership on these critical maritime issues to China,” he said. “We need a seat at the table to ensure American economic and national security interests are properly represented.”

UNCLOS serves as a comprehensive legal framework governing oceanic use and resources, allowing further development in specific sea law areas. It addresses environmental control, marine research, economic activities, and dispute settlements related to ocean matters.

A significant aspect of UNCLOS is its ability to set limits on countries' ocean territory claims. China, an UNCLOS member, has made excessive territorial claims in the East and South China Seas, leading to tensions with neighboring countries and threatening international navigation freedom. In 2016, an arbitral tribunal found that China violated the Philippines' rights; however, China rejected this decision. The U.S., not being a convention member, cannot engage in legal proceedings against China's treaty violations.

Although opened for signature in December 1982 and effective since November 1994, the U.S. Senate has yet to ratify UNCLOS despite support from various organizations and naval leaders urging ratification.

Joining Senator Young in introducing this legislation are Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Angus King (I-Maine), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

The full text of the resolution is available online.