Published : 12 Oct 2026, 11:22 PM
Updated : 12 Oct 2026, 11:22 PM
Sixty countries backed a declaration on Monday opposing tolls and other restrictions on navigation through straits used for international shipping, pledging to work to preserve freedom of passage.
“We support ongoing defensive and non-escalatory multilateral initiatives aimed at preserving the freedom of navigation,” the declaration said.
Supported by countries including members of the European Union, Australia, Japan and the UK, the declaration opposed measures that could impede lawful passage through international straits.
“We oppose any measures, including the imposition of unlawful fees, tolls, discriminatory restrictions, prior authorization requirements or other conditions, that would hamper or impair lawful navigation, through straits used for international navigation,” it added.
