Tensions persist in regions near Japan. And in view of the country's high dependence on imports for energy, material resources and food, Japan considers safety of the world's sea lanes (especially through the East China Sea, Strait of Malacca, and Indian Ocean) essential for national survival."NIPO-029", "2459852"
海上交通路
sea [shipping] lane
sea lanes of communication〔【略】SLOC〕
a sea line of communication〔港から港への輸送路で、軍事用語として使われることが多い。◆通例、sea lines of communication◆【略】SLOC〕