India, Australia discuss South China sea issue

NEW DELHI: The issue of South China Sea had come up in discussions between Defence Minister A K Antony and his Australian counterpart Stephen Smith here yesterday when they agreed that maritime disputes should be resolved amicably as they can be "causes of misunderstanding".

In the recent past, South China Sea has been in focus after China had objected to any activity there including Indian oil exploration activities.

China has territorial disputes with some ASEAN countries, including Vietnam and the Philippines.

"Maritime security and cooperation, South and East China Sea were part of conversation between me and A K Antony and also with Admiral (Nirmal) Verma and Services chiefs," Smith told reporters here.

The visiting Australian Defence Minister said maritime disputes between two or more countries "need to be amicably solved between the parties involved in accordance with laws and international norms and if they are not resolved, they can be potential for misunderstanding or miscalculation."

Smith said Australia and India agreed there should be free sea lanes of communication for "prosperity and peace and security".

He added the two countries also agreed that regional and international communities should be entitled to take interest in these issues for their amicable resolution because if they are not "handled or dealt with well", they can cause misunderstanding.

Smith made it clear that the views shared by the two countries about maritime disputes are not China-centric as there were several nations and groupings experiencing such issues.

Smith said the issue of South China Sea had come up for discussion at the East Asia Summit in Hanoi and ASEAN and China have agreed to work for the resolution of this issue.

Asked about the basing of US Marine Corp troops in its territory, Smith said Australia had briefed India and China in this regard in advance.