India Supports Philippines in Asserting Maritime Sovereignty Amidst China Tensions
China has cautioned India against getting involved in the South China Sea dispute.
India has shown its support for the Philippines’ national sovereignty and emphasized the importance of following the rules-based order in light of China’s ongoing aggression in the contested South China Sea.
Mr. Jaishankar urged all parties involved in the maritime territorial dispute to abide by international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“All parties must comply with it completely, 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 been working to enhance its relationship with the Philippines across various sectors. According to the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department, the two countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime domain awareness, shipping, search and rescue, as well as law enforcement.
Both parties stressed the importance of a “peaceful settlement of disputes” and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which favored the Philippines’ territorial claims.
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Mr. Manalo stated that both nations are exploring ways to contribute to the security of their countries while ensuring that the Indo-Pacific region remains open and peaceful.
During his trip to Manila, Mr. Jaishankar also met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and affirmed India’s unwavering support for the 2016 arbitral award on the South China Sea.
“So, if you want a country which actually says [it] will accept the judgment even if it goes against us, we are actually a natural candidate. So, we can be on your ship,” he said, according to Mr. Marcos’ office.
China Warns India Against Interfering
In response, Chinese 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,” the spokesperson said at a press conference.
The Hague Tribunal ruled in favor of legal action taken by the Philippines in 2016. However, the ruling didn’t see China’s communist regime 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, has 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 were 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 (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.
