The safety of navigation remains an issue in the sense that navigation through the South China Sea is essential for world seaborne trade and communications, and the lingering territorial and maritime disputes would constitute a threat to the safety of navigation there. In recent years, the term ‘freedom of navigation’ has become a pivotal expression in the rivalry between China and the United States in the South China Sea. This paper starts with addressing the international legal framework concerning navigation, followed by state practice in the South China Sea, including domestic legislation and safety measures. It then discusses the issue of military activities in the exclusive economic zone and their implications for the freedom of navigation. The paper identifies several issues connected to navigation, such as the U-shaped line, law enforcement patrols, and the recent South China Sea Arbitration. A brief conclusion is provided at the end.

中文翻译：

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南海航行：为什么仍然是一个问题？

航行安全仍然是一个问题，因为通过南海航行对世界海上贸易和通信至关重要，挥之不去的领土和海洋争端将对那里的航行安全构成威胁。近年来，“航行自由”一词成为中美在南海博弈中的一个关键表述。本文首先讨论有关航行的国际法律框架，然后是南海的国家实践，包括国内立法和安全措施。然后讨论专属经济区内的军事活动问题及其对航行自由的影响。该论文确定了与导航相关的几个问题，例如 U 形线、执法巡逻，以及最近的南海仲裁案。最后提供了一个简短的结论。