**India Joins Philippines in Asking China to Abide by South China Sea Ruling**
– India and the Philippines have issued a joint statement calling on China to adhere to the 2016 ruling that refuted China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea (SCS) waters.
– The statement emphasized the need for peaceful settlement of disputes and adherence to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award on the SCS.
– This is the first time India has explicitly called on China to abide by the ruling, marking a significant development in bilateral ties.
– The 2016 ruling declared China’s nine-dash line claim and reclamation activities in Philippine waters as unlawful.
– India and the Philippines discussed various regional and international issues of mutual concern, including defense, maritime security, and counterterrorism.
**G7 and Japan Support the 2016 Award**
– The G7, in their recent summit, expressed support for the 2016 award, describing it as a useful basis for resolving disputes between China and the Philippines peacefully.
– Japan, India’s Quad partner, has repeatedly called on China to abide by the ruling and commended the Philippines for fully complying with it.
– India and the Philippines aim to enhance defense cooperation, with India offering a concessional Line of Credit to meet the Philippines’ requirements.
**India and the Philippines’ Shared Interest in an Inclusive Indo-Pacific**
– Both countries affirmed their shared interest in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
– They expressed satisfaction with ongoing cooperation in ASEAN and other multilateral forums, emphasizing collaboration on climate change, sustainable development, and counterterrorism.
The joint statement by India and the Philippines marks a significant step in India’s stance on the South China Sea dispute. By explicitly calling on China to adhere to the 2016 ruling, India aligns itself with the G7 and Japan in urging China to respect international law. This move further strengthens India’s commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. The joint statement also highlights the growing defense cooperation between India and the Philippines, underscoring their shared interest in maintaining regional stability.
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