60 countries pledge to protect freedom of navigation and reject tolls in international straits

- The statement supports non-escalatory defensive initiatives and rejects discriminatory restrictions and prior authorization requirements

Sixty countries endorsed on Monday a declaration pledging to work to preserve freedom of navigation and oppose the imposition of transit fees or restrictions that could hinder navigation through straits used for international maritime traffic, according to Reuters.

The declaration states: “We support ongoing multilateral initiatives that are defensive and non-escalatory in nature and aimed at preserving freedom of navigation,” and it is backed by countries including members of the European Union, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

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The declaration further states: “We oppose any measures, including the imposition of illegal fees, transit fees, discriminatory restrictions, requirements for prior authorization, or any other conditions that would hinder or undermine legitimate navigation through straits used for international maritime traffic.”