India has expressed its support for the Philippines’ national sovereignty and called for “staunch adherence” to rules-based order amid China’s ongoing aggression in the disputed South China Sea.
Mr. Jaishankar called on all parties involved in the maritime territorial dispute to abide by international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“All parties must adhere to it in its entirety, both in letter and in spirit,” he said. “I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty.”
India has sought to boost ties with the Philippines in various sectors. According to the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, the two countries have agreed to accelerate cooperation in maritime domain awareness, shipping, search and rescue, and law enforcement.
Both sides underscored the need for “peaceful settlement of disputes” and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which supported the Philippines’ territorial claims.
Mr. Manalo noted that the two countries are exploring ways “where we can contribute to the security of both our countries as well as ensure that the Indo-Pacific region remains open and peaceful.”
During his visit to Manila, Mr. Jaishankar also met with the Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and affirmed India’s “resolute” stance in upholding the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea.
China Warns India Against Interfering
In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that India has no right to interfere in the South China Sea dispute and urged India to respect China’s maritime rights and interests.“Maritime disputes are issues between the countries concerned. Third parties have no right to interfere whatsoever,” Mr. Lin said at a news conference.
The Hague Tribunal ruled in favor of legal action taken by the Philippines in 2016. However, the ruling didn’t prompt China’s communist regime to change its behavior, with Chinese vessels repeatedly intruding into the Philippines’ maritime zones.
It’s the second time in a month that the vessel, Unaizah May 4, had been damaged by a China Coast Guard water cannon assault. On March 5, a confrontation also injured crew members.
Philippines to Implement ‘Countermeasure Package’ Against China
Following the incidents, the Philippine president vowed to implement “a response and countermeasure package” against Chinese ships that encroach upon the country’s territorial waters.Mr. Marcos said that he has submitted “the relevant requirements” to international allies who have expressed their support to the Philippine government against China.
“Over the succeeding weeks, there shall be implemented by the relevant national government agencies and instrumentalities a response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate, and reasonable in the face of the open, unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks by agents of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia,” he stated.
Mr. Marcos said the measures are intended to defend his country’s sovereign rights and that the Philippines has no intention of starting a conflict with any country.
“We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission, or subservience. Filipinos do not yield,” the Philippine leader said.
The 1982 UNCLOS, to which China is a signatory, designates maritime areas within 200 nautical miles (about 230 miles) of coastlines as part of a nation’s exclusive economic zone.
The Second Thomas Shoal, referred to as Ayungin Shoal by Manila and Renai Reef by China, is located roughly 105 nautical miles from the Philippines’ Palawan Province and, therefore, falls under Philippine jurisdiction.
Other countries, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei, have also clashed with the Chinese communist regime over its claims in the South China Sea.
