We oppose unilateral actions to change status quo by force: India on fresh tensions in South China Sea
India on Friday said it opposes unilateral actions seeking to change the status quo by force in South China Sea amid concerns over China's escalatory moves against the Philippines' maritime operations in the region. Tensions between China and the Philippines escalated following an incident of violent clash between their maritime security personnel few days back in the South China Sea.
«We have always emphasised on adherence to international law, respect for the rules-based order, and resolution of disputes in a peaceful manner,» external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
«Other than that, we also believe that there should not be any incident or approach that destabilises the region,» he said.
Jaiswal also underlined India's long-held position that the disputes must be resolved peacefully.
«We oppose destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion as well. And we underline the need for peaceful settlement of disputes,» he said.
There have been growing global concerns over China's sweeping claims of sovereignty over all of the South China Sea, a huge source of hydrocarbons.
Several countries in the region including Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei, have counterclaims.
India and many other democratic countries have been pressing for peaceful settlement of the disputes and for adherence to international law, especially the UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea).
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to his Filipino counterpart
