President Obama reaffirmed U.S. national interests in the maintenance of peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded lawful commerce, and freedom of navigation.

WHITEHOUSE: Fact Sheet: East Asia Summit Outcomes

"While this case was about one stream, the wider implication is we had a property owner trying to turn back the law to the view of the public right of navigation that existed before the Moose River decision, " Caffrey said.

WSJ: Judge: NY paddlers can use stream on private land

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

The Bush administration is urging the Senate to consent this summer to the Convention on the Law of the Sea, the complex and sprawling treaty that governs shipping, navigation, mining, fishing and other ocean activities.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Key critics dissect arguments for LOST

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

The landowners had argued that a waterway must have a history of commercial use to be subject to common law, which says the public has the right to use it for navigation.

WSJ: Judge: NY paddlers can use stream on private land