Blinken told a virtual Security Council meeting on maritime security that the US has seen dangerous encounters between vessels at sea and provocative actions to advance false maritime claims, adding that Washington is concerned by intimidation and bullying that prevents other states from lawfully accessing their maritime resources.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose country holds the council presidency this month and who chaired the meeting, warned that the world’s oceans and seas, the common heritage of all nations and peoples, are now facing multiple threats. He said that maritime disputes need to be resolved peacefully on the basis of international law.

The UN Security Council adopted a presidential statement calling for stronger regional and global cooperation to address challenges to maritime security and safety, acknowledging the importance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and calling on the UN and the international community to help countries improve their capabilities and share their experience in handling threats to maritime security.                 

This is the first time maritime security has been discussed as an exclusive agenda item at the Security Council.