Safe and efficient maritime commerce is essential to the growth and stability of this huge transportation hub.

FORBES: The Port of New York and New Jersey, a Critical Hub of Global Commerce

Miletus greatly surpassed all of the other Ionian cities in its maritime ventures and commerce, founding its first colonies in the eighth century B.

WSJ: 'Aladdin's Lamp'

But in terms of the spread of commerce, culture, religion and empire, Asia's is a largely maritime history, carried on the monsoon winds.

ECONOMIST: Banyan

And throughout Southeast Asia and Oceania, we will continue to develop maritime security and law enforcement partnerships and a presence that supports unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

In this context, we underscored the importance of maritime security, freedom of navigation and over flight, unimpeded lawful commerce, respect for international law, continued constructive dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

WHITEHOUSE: Joint Statement of the 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Meeting