LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2147
TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2013

SOUTH CHINA SEA DISPUTE

†2147. SHRI ANANTKUMAR HEGDE:
SHRI ARJUN RAY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether China has recently adopted a flexible approach towards its territorial claims in the South China Sea;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether China has given any assurance to adhere to the international laws in the said region and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes to promote commercial activities in the said region; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) to (e) Sovereignty over areas of the South China Sea is disputed between many countries in the region including China. India is not a party to this dispute and believes it must be resolved peacefully by the countries concerned. India has, on several occasions, reiterated its position that it supports the freedom of navigation in international waters including the South China Sea, the right of passage and unimpeded commerce in accordance with accepted principles of international law, and peaceful settlement of maritime disputes. These principles should be respected by all. ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) has been engaged in exploration activity in the South China Sea since 1988. India has clearly conveyed that its hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation projects in the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam are purely commercial in nature and have no political connotation.