NEW DELHI: On Friday, India expressed support for the Philippines amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea due to China’s recent aggressive actions. New Delhi stated its opposition to actions that destabilize and seek to change the status quo by force.
China has increased its aggressive activities targeting the Philippines in the Spratly Islands, notably using “gray zone tactics.” Last week, a Philippines navy personnel was severely injured when China’s coast guard seized two Filipino ships on a resupply mission to an outpost on Second Thomas Shoal.
“We oppose destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion… and we underline the need for peaceful settlement of disputes,” said external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, without directly naming China.
India has reiterated its stance on the South China Sea developments on several occasions. “We have always emphasized adherence to international law, respect for the rules-based order, and resolution of disputes in a peaceful manner. There should not be any incident or approach that destabilizes the region,” Jaiswal added.
The Philippines has become a crucial strategic and defense partner for India in Southeast Asia. In April, India delivered the first battery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and launchers to the Philippines, following a $375-million deal signed two years ago to equip the Philippine Marines with three batteries.
India had previously acknowledged the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China but revised its position last year, emphasizing the need to adhere to the arbitral award. During a visit to Manila in March, external affairs minister S Jaishankar expressed India’s support for the Philippines in upholding its national sovereignty and called for “staunch adherence” to a rules-based order.
These developments occur against the backdrop of India’s ongoing military standoff with China on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has entered its fifth year and significantly strained bilateral relations.
