29 August 2013
NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of growing Chinese assertion in South China Sea, India today said it was opposed to the use of threat and force to resolve the disputes and urged the countries concerned to resolve the issues peacefully in accordance with international conventions.
Addressing the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus at Brunei, Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singhapparently hit out at Pakistan saying terrorism was main threat to the stability of Afghanistan and terror sanctuaries and safe havens "particularly those beyond Afghan borders" should be dismantled.
"We oppose the use or the threat of use of force. We hope that all parties to disputes in the South China Searegion will abide by 2002 Declaration on Conduct there and work together to ensure peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with international laws.
"We urge all parties concerned to take forward these discussions towards adoption of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea on the basis of consensus," he said.
At the end of the meeting, a joint declaration was issued where it was decided that the member countries will establish practical measures to reduce vulnerability to miscalculation and avoid misunderstanding and undesirable incidents at sea.
Singh said there was a need to reaffirm the importance of unimpeded right of passage and other maritime rights in accordance with the accepted principles of international law.
"These principles should be respected by all. Maintenance of peace and security in the region is of vital interest and sovereignty issues must be resolved peacefully by all countries concerned, in accordance with international law," he said.
Published by: The Economic Times