India and US discussed the situation in the South China Sea region and measures that could lead to stability in the area with fresh reports of new artificial islands being built by China raising tensions in Southeast Asia.
Exacerbated tensions ::
Construction of artificial islands in SCS, a major sea lane of communication in Asia has exacerbated tensions after Chinese territorial claims in the region since 2010. The matter was a key item on the agenda when US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
Need for Stability ::
Carter coming to India straight from Vietnam emphasized on the need for stability in the South China Sea as his Indian interlocutors stressed on freedom of navigation and right to oil exploration in the area, diplomatic sources said.
Fresh tensions ::
Fresh tensions have arisen after China strongly rejected US criticism of its land reclamation activities in the South China Sea.
Chinese Admiral Sun Jianguo told Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore that construction work is ‘justified, legitimate and reasonable,’ and that the projects are for the purpose of providing ‘international public services.’
China’s stand ::
The admiral, who is the deputy chief of staff of the People’s Liberation Army asserted ‘there are no changes in China’s claims in the South China Sea.
The comments from Sun raises eyebrows and leads to a conclusion China intends to militarize the disputed islands on which it is building, according to both Indian and US officials.
Carter slammed China ::
The Chinese admiral’s comments after Carter slammed China for being ‘out of step’ with international norms amid the unprecedented pace of island reclamation, saying ‘it is unclear how much farther China will go.’
The actions are increasing ‘the risk of miscalculation and conflict,’ Carter said in a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Carter noted China has reclaimed over 800 hectares, more than all other claimants combined and has done so in only the last 18 months.
Pledging help ::
In his subsequent visit to Vietnam the US Defence Secretary pledged $18 million to help Hanoi buy US patrol boats to thwart any aggression.
Last year India extended a Line of Credit of $100 million to Vietnam to buy four patrol boats from Delhi.
India to continue oil search ::
Recently addressing the annual press meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pointed out that India has clarified on oil search in the South China Sea region indicating that Delhi will continue its exploration in the oil blocks offered by Vietnam.
Hanoi has offered over five oil blocks to India off the coast of Vietnam. Officials in Delhi said that the Modi government is closely monitoring the ratcheting of tensions in Southeast Asia that have implications for India’s economic and strategic interests in the backdrop of an active Act East Policy.
Source from India Defence News.
