South China Sea: as India backs Philippines against Beijing, a different border issue looms large
- India supports the Philippines ‘upholding its national sovereignty’ in the disputed waterway, foreign minister S. Jaishankar said in Manila
- The remarks, which drew a rebuke from Beijing, were aimed at boosting India’s negotiating position in its border row with China, analysts say
If China is allowed to intimidate less powerful countries like the Philippines without criticism, analysts say, it could also become more combative in its other disputes, meaning India’s “interference” was likely aimed at boosting its own negotiating position in their shared border row.
During Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Manila late last month, he reiterated India’s support for the Philippines in “upholding its national sovereignty”.
Following his meeting with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, Jaishankar said the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, or Unclos, was the “the constitution of the seas” and all parties “must adhere to it in its entirety, both in letter and in spirit”.
His comments came after the Chinese navy and coastguard had clashed with their Philippine counterparts in the South China Sea for several months, including the use of water cannons to disrupt the activities of Philippine boats.
On March 23, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded to Jaishankar’s remarks, calling on “third countries” not to “interfere”.