John D. Negroponte: “We believe that disputed claims should be dealt with peacefully and without resort to any type of coercion.”

You need to keep your eye on the funding for those programs so that it doesn't atrophy or disappear.

These are not academic or philosophical points, but real world examples.

Ultimately, it is our naval power that protects international freedom of navigation.

We oppose the threat or use of force to resolve the disputes, as well as any action that hinders freedom of navigation.