South China Sea row: States should resolve disputes through peaceful means, suggests India

NEW DELHI: In an indirect jibe at Beijing, India on Tuesday advised nations against use of force and called for self-restraint following international tribunal ruling against Beijing over territorial claims in the South China Sea (SCS) region and stated that all parties must abide by “UNCLOS, which establishes the international legal order of the seas and oceans”.

After China dismissed the verdict by the Hague tribunal, indicating ratcheting up of tensions in the region, the Ministry of External Affairs stated the Modi government’s position on the verdict that went in Philippines favour.

“India believes that states should resolve disputes through peaceful means without threat or use of force and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability,” suggested the MEA statement. “India supports freedom of navigation and over flight, and unimpeded commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the UNCLOS.

As a State Party to the UNCLOS, India urges all parties to show utmost respect for the UNCLOS, which establishes the international legal order of the seas and oceans,” the MEA statement said in a veiled message to China which has been accused by the countries of the region for unilaterally changing the geography of the region.