The dispute involves claims to islands and maritime rights, since the region is believed to contain oil, natural gas, and fisheries

India and Indonesia have stressed for peaceful resolution of disputes among the countries in South China Sea in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law.

South China dispute is a series of territorial conflicts among several countries, including China, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam that border the sea. The dispute involves claims to islands and maritime rights, since the region is believed to contain oil, natural gas, and fisheries. Besides, the route is a vital trade route for the global electronics industry, and it also has the potential of affecting the regional balance of power.

In their joint statement, India and Indonesia have reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace in South China Sea.

“In this regard, they (India and Indonesia) supported the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS,” read the joint statement.

India’s position on South China Sea is that it attaches importance to freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce in the international waters in accordance with international laws, notably the United Nations’ Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

India stands for the peaceful resolution of disputes, including through respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force, and in accordance with international laws, while ready to work with international partners to maintain and promote peace, stability and development in the Indo-Pacific region.

Besides, India and Indonesia have also announced to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Both the nations have affirmed that the ongoing cooperation under the India-Indonesia-Australia trilateral format “to address common challenges, exchange views and explore opportunities for collaboration, including in the areas of maritime domain awareness, marine pollution, blue economy and also under the frameworks of East Asia Summit (EAS), Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)”.