The Indian government officials hinted yesterday that they are
interested in the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the Philippines
and China over a group of isolated rocks in the South China Sea. In a
very unusual step, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs urged both
the nations to show restraint and resolve the territorial dispute
through dialogue.
The ministry also said that it was concerned about the
events and the effect it may have on stability of the region.
India
has been strengthening its diplomatic and trade ties with the nations
bordering South China Sea for some time now. Last year, it signed an
agreement with the Vietnamese government to undertake oil and natural
gas exploration in some of the disputed areas. The measure invited
strong criticism from the Chinese government, which warned the Indians
to stay away from the region. China claims that the exploration blocks,
which the Vietnamese government granted to Indian oil exploration
companies, are actually within its own borders. However, both India and
Vietnam rejected China’s claims, saying that as per the United Nations,
the bocks are completely within the maritime boundaries of Vietnam. The
defence sources further said that Indian oil exploration companies like
Oil and Natural Gas Commission Videsh Limited (OVL) will work to
strengthen their presence in the region.
Meanwhile, the protests
against alleged Chinese naval bullying continued in Philippines, as more
than 1,000 people protested in downtown Manila yesterday. Some of the
protestors burnt Chinese flags outside their consulate in Makati.
However, the People’s Liberation Army Daily, regarded as the mouthpiece
of the Chinese Armed Forces, again made it clear on Thursday that China
will not show any restraint in the territorial dispute. The daily warned
the Philippine authorities that the patience of the Chinese defence
forces are running out and they are not going to tolerate any more of
the defiance from them.
The standoff at the Scarborough shoal is
not showing any sign of diffusion, as both the sides are moving in more
and more military equipment and warships. The dispute started when the
Philippine Navy stopped some Chinese fishermen from poaching in the
area, claiming they don’t have the right to fish there. The South East
region is economically very important for India, as a lot of trade is
conducted with the ASEAN member nations. Indian Navy is involved in the
anti-piracy and anti-smuggling operations in the area and the armed
forces are looking towards the strengthening of already friendly ties
with many of the South Eastern Asian nations.
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Sahil | Indian Defence | May 11, 2012 | Article Link
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