海洋自由在美国独立前就已是其国家安全的基石。这反映了国际贸易的现实，首先对殖民地的生存至关重要，继而对其繁荣也至关重要。
Freedom of the seas was fundamental to America’s national security even before independence. It reflected the reality of international trade, critical first to the colonies’ survival and then to their prosperity.
250年来，美国的利益与价值观相结合，支撑了该国在世界事务中的地位，包括当今一些人错误地描述为孤立主义的漫长时期。
For 250 years, U.S. interests and values combined to support the country’s position in world affairs, including during long periods some today incorrectly describe as isolationist.
近年来，华盛顿维护海洋自由的意愿——无论是单方面还是与盟友共同——已有所恶化。当代争端涉及通过他国领海的无害通过权。
Washington’s willingness to maintain freedom of the seas, unilaterally or with allies, has deteriorated in recent years. Contemporary disputes involve the right of innocent passage through other countries’ territorial waters.
这一原则适用于《海洋法公约》缔约国和美国，而美国并非缔约国。问题是美国是否正在为了短期利益而放弃其成功的海洋战略。
This principle applies to states that are parties to the Law of the Sea Treaty and the U.S., which isn’t. The question is whether America is abandoning its successful maritime strategy in pursuit of short-term advantage.