NEW DELHI: The federal government has reiterated its place on the South China Sea situation, saying India emphasises the significance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, different lawful makes use of of the ocean and unimpeded commerce per United Nations Conference on the Regulation of the Sea (UNCLOS).The ministry of exterior affairs (MEA) was responding to queries a few joint assertion by the US, Japan, the Philippines and 11 different international locations which stated China’s expansive declare in South China Sea has no authorized foundation.The joint assertion marked the tenth anniversary of a landmark worldwide tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines in 2016 that had rejected China’s sweeping declare of sovereignty in South China Sea. Beijing by no means accepted the ruling.“We reaffirm that maritime disputes have to be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS…” MEA stated.The joint assertion stated, “We reaffirm that the award …by the Arbitral Tribunal …is remaining, legally binding and definitive between China and the Philippines.”
