As a party to UNCLOS, us would be able to block amendments and excessive claims that block military vessels

The issue of innocent passage is raised by the concept of the territorial sea.²⁰⁷ In interpreting Article 21 of UNCLOS, some countries have adopted the view that they may, with due notice, create regulations and laws that restrict innocent passage through their territorial sea.²⁰⁸ The greatest restriction in these liberal navigation rules on innocent passage for the United States is the demand for prior notification and permission for the passage of a U.S. war vessel.²⁰⁹ The Convention recognizes the right of passage through the territorial seas, allowing for overflight and navigational freedom of the high seas.²¹⁰ Currently, the lenient navigation rules include the immutable legal right for ships and aircrafts to travel the international straits without coastal states' interference.²¹¹ However, some UNCLOS III members may propose to amend the concept of freedom of navigation to allow the exclusion of vessels.²¹² As a member of UNCLOS III, the United States would be able to block such negative amendments.²¹³ Further, if it joined UNCLOS, the United States could potentially prevent or decrease "the backsliding" by states that have previously abandoned their excessive maritime claims, yet wish to reinstitute those claims given that the United States is currently not a member.