India can play constructive, positive role in South China Sea, says China

[egodoc222]

India can play constructive, positive role in South China Sea, says China - The Times of India

 

[egodoc222]

BEIJING: US defence chief visits aircraft carrier in South China Sea

"We hope that countries who really care about freedom of navigation in the South China Sea (SCS) can play a constructive and positive role" in peace and stability of the region, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Hua Chunying told a media briefing here in response to a question.

She was reacting to Parrikar's assertions at Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday expressing concerns over the current round of tensions between US and China over an American naval vessel sailing through artificial islands in the SCS built by Beijing.

READ ALSO:India for peaceful resolution of South China Sea dispute

China has raised vociferous protests and warned Washington against sending naval vessels and military aircraft to the waters.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan had overlapping claims over a number of islands of the SCS and strongly contest China's claims of sovereignty over almost all of the SCS.

Speaking at the Asean Plus defence ministers meeting, Parrikar expressed hope for a "peaceful resolution of the dispute".

Asserting that maritime security is a common challenge, he said "the situation in the South China Sea and recent developments there have attracted concern".

READ BLOG: Dangerous tussle - All parties to the South China Sea dispute must exercise restraint

"This is natural since freedom of navigation in international waters, the right of passage and overflight, unimpeded commerce and access to resources in accordance with recognized principles of international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, are of concern to all of us," he added.

Assuring that there is no threat to freedom of navigation in the SCS, Hua said it is a major passage for cargo shipping and energy transportation of China.

"China is the littoral country of the SCS. We, of course, care about freedom of navigation in the region," she said.

"China is committed to safeguarding peace and stability of the SCS together with all relevant countries. As we can see that overall situation in the SCS is stable and there has never been any problem about freedom of navigation and over flights in the SCS," she said.

READ ALSO: India backs Philippines on South China Sea row

China has been wary about India's Look East Policy under which New Delhi sought to expand its relations with the South East Asian countries in Beijing's backyard, specially India's fast-developing ties with Vietnam and the Philippines.

Beijing also opposes India undertaking oil exploration off Vietnam's coast, asserting that the area falls within the disputed area of the SCS.

India, however, took up Vietnam's invitation, stating that it is undertaking only a commercial activity which has no bearing on the dispute.

About the freedom of navigation, China has maintained that there is no threat to commercial shipping and civilian overflights but considers naval vessels and military aircraft travelling through the area as violation of its sovereignty.

 

[Ragnar]

Correction.. West Philippine Sea..

 

[egodoc222]

Correction.. West Philippine Sea..

Haha...that would sting the chinese!!

 

[luka huka]

That's like gud Chinese

 

[Indian Patriot]

And once the Americans go back he chinese will renew their hostility. India should use America to bully china like Pakistan is using china against India.

 

[Kyusuibu Honbu]

This is a u-turn from the previous warnings on Indian oil exploration activities in SCS.

China warns Delhi, "India should rethink its oil exploration plants" — MercoPress

 

[saurav]

In short : Support Us ... Pleaseeee...

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

Have China shelved its Ministry of Warnings?

 

[raktaka]

China is seeking to include India as a partner to protect its interest. This is a Win WIn.

I don't see why this should be mocked by Indians..... we should welcome it.

 

[Echo_419]

This is a u-turn from the previous warnings on Indian oil exploration activities in SCS.

China warns Delhi, "India should rethink its oil exploration plants" — MercoPress

Good to see they are changing their attitude

 

[Kyusuibu Honbu]

Good to see they are changing their attitude

Current statement is merely diplomatic, with not much substance.

Overall longterm Attitude change by Chinese would require leadership change in China and USA i.e Chinese dove and American Hawk

 

[raktaka]

Current statement is merely diplomatic, with not much substance.

Overall longterm Attitude change by Chinese would require leadership change in China and USA i.e Chinese dove and American Hawk

So what if its diplomatic ? Is Diplomacy such a bad thing ? Diplomacy sets the foundation for long term relationships.

Before asking the Chinese to change their attitude, Indians need to change our attitude and have to stop being afraid of China. Hate comes from Anger, and Anger comes from Fear.