The U.S. military carried out fewer “freedom of navigation operation” patrols near China in fiscal year 2021 than it did the previous year, although the number of missions rose overall, according to a Department of Defense report published on April 1. The report states that during the period from Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2021, U.S. forces operationally challenged 37 different excessive maritime claims made by 26 different claimants around the world. It found that China in fiscal year 2021 had the most challenged territorial claims, but the U.S. Navy carried out “freedom of navigation operation” patrols against five claims. In fiscal 2020, U.S. forces conducted patrols against seven such claims. The U.S. Freedom of Navigation Program was established in 1979 and consists of complementary diplomatic and operational efforts to safeguard lawful commerce and the global mobility of U.S. forces. “Excessive maritime claims are inconsistent with international law as …