Resolve South China Sea dispute without use of force: India, Indonesia

NEW DELHI: In a veiled message to China amid its growing assertiveness in resource-rich South China Sea, India and Indonesia today asserted that the dispute must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with principles of international law without resorting to threat or use of force.

The issue figured prominently during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesia President Joko Widodo as they deliberated on developments in the Indian and Pacific Oceans and beyond.

Without naming China, the two leaders also called for exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities, and avoid unilateral actions that raise tensions.


In the talks, India and Indonesia have also decided to boost ties in maritime security sphere with a focus on cooperating with each other to ensure the safety and security of the sea lanes.

"Regarding the South China Sea, the two sides stressed the importance of resolving disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law including the UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)," a joint statement issued after the talks between Modi and Widodo said.

While Indonesia was not directly involved in the South China Sea dispute it has been strongly critical of China's claim over the resource-rich waters around Indonesia's Natuna Islands.

China has an acrimonious relationship with a number of countries including Vietnam and Philippines over the disputed waters. China has also been objecting to India's oil exploration projects in South China Sea which it is implementing in cooperation with Vietnam.

In the talks, the two sides also reiterated their commitment to respecting freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded lawful commerce and urged all parties to resolve the disputes through peaceful means and without resorting to threat or use of force.