New Delhi: India expressed strong support for the Philippines amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea due to recent aggressive actions by China. India firmly opposes destabilizing actions aimed at altering the status quo through force.
China has escalated tensions with the Philippines in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea, employing “gray zone tactics”. Last week, a member of the Philippines navy was seriously injured when China’s coast guard seized two Filipino ships on a resupply mission to an outpost on Second Thomas Shoal.
“We oppose actions that destabilize or attempt to alter the status quo through force or coercion… and we emphasize the importance of peacefully resolving disputes,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, during a routine media briefing, without explicitly mentioning China.
In response to questions about tensions between China and the Philippines, Jaiswal reiterated India’s consistent stance on developments in the South China Sea.
“We have consistently stressed the importance of following international law, upholding the rules-based order, and peacefully resolving disputes. Additionally, we advocate against any actions or approaches that could destabilize the region,” he stated.
Jaiswal also reaffirmed India’s longstanding position that disputes should be settled peacefully. “Moreover, we believe that there should not be any incident or approach that destabilizes the region,” he added.
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The Philippines has become a crucial strategic and defense partner for India in Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, India delivered the initial set of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and launchers to the Philippines, following a $375 million agreement signed two years ago to equip the Philippine Marines with three batteries of these weapons.
Previously, India acknowledged the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration favoring the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea. However, India revised its stance last year, stressing adherence to the arbitral award in a joint statement.
During a visit to Manila in March this year, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s support for the Philippines in defending its national sovereignty and upholding a rules-based international order.
