ARF discusses claims over S China Sea

One of the biggest problems India faces today relates to China’s claim of "undisputed sovereignty" over South China Sea due to which New Delhi had to withdraw its exploration projects in Vietnamese oil blocks this year. Besides China, countries such as Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam and Malaysia also claim parts of the sea.

Amid tensions between China and Association of South East Asian Nations over South China Sea, India Thursday said that it supports access to resources in region in accordance with principles of international law, and asked all nations to respect these principles.

External Affairs Minister S M Krishna acknowledged engagement of concerned parties in discussion to address the issue and hoped that progress will be made with respect to implementation of Guidelines to the 2002 Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea.

Krishna held that the security and economic prosperity of nations is vitally linked to safety and security of sea lanes of communication. He also emphasized the need for states to work together to address common threats to maritime security.

“The menace of piracy has been expanding its reach and it should be addressed firmly through cooperative action,” said Krishna at the Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Phnom Penh.

”We have been following developments in respect to the South China Sea. As we had stated earlier, India supports freedom of navigation and access to resources in accordance with principles of international law. These principles should be respected by all. We have noted that the parties concerned are engaged in discussions to address the issue, and we hope that progress will be made with respect to implementation of Guidelines to the 2002 Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea,” he added.