S Jaishankar Emphasizes Importance of South China Sea Communication Lines for Peace in Indo-Pacific Region

Vientiane (Laos):

Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized on Saturday the requirement for a significant and efficient code of behavior to safeguard sea routes in the South China Sea which he mentioned are essential for tranquility and stability of the Indo-Pacific area, amid escalating concerns about China’s naval coercion.

Speaking at the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers Meeting in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, Mr. Jaishankar mentioned that the EAS process will reach two decades next year and India will contribute towards a more robust EAS process.

He indicated that India will continue to support ASEAN unity and centrality through our Act East Policy.

Discussing maritime security, Mr. Jaishankar stated: the “Sea Routes passing through the South China Sea are crucial for tranquility, stability, prosperity and development of the Indo-Pacific region.” Sea Routes is a term describing the primary maritime paths between ports, used for trade, logistics and naval forces.

The “Code of Behavior should be significant and efficient, in line with international law and should not harm the legitimate rights and interest of nations not participating in discussions,” he stated.

Mr. Jaishankar’s remarks are important as his Chinese equivalent Wang Yi is also present in Vientiane to attend the summit.

The resource-rich South China Sea in the Indo-Pacific region is widely viewed as a possible hotspot for global conflict.

China asserts most of the South China Sea as its own, while The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have conflicting claims over the maritime region.

The South China Sea provides shipping lanes connecting Northeast Asia with Southeast Asia and West Asia.

Southeast Asian countries are attempting to reach an agreement with China on a code of behavior to prevent clashes in the South China Sea.

During the meeting, Mr. Jaishankar also urged for de-escalation and restraint in Gaza.

“India continues to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Palestine,” he mentioned.

He also expressed worry over attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. “India is independently contributing to ensuring the safety and security of maritime shipping,” Mr. Jaishankar stated.

Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, he mentioned India emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve it.

“PM @narendramodi recently communicated with President (Vladimir) Putin and President (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy. India is prepared to contribute in any way possible,” he mentioned in a post on X.

India remains a steadfast supporter of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and values its alignment with the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

India encourages more East Asia Summit (EAS) members to join IPOI.

“We have consistently contributed to the EAS Plan of Action,” he mentioned, adding Nalanda University is a fulfillment of an important commitment to the EAS, mentioning the leading educational institution in Bihar.

India appreciates the involvement of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members in the Voice of the Global South Summit hosted by it last year.

“The EAS is vital in uniting us at a time when differences are sharp and interests are diverse. India will always uphold its dedication to the EAS process,” he stated.