India, ASEAN to discuss South China Sea dispute at Delhi meet

In the wake of increasing Chinese influence in South China Sea, India and ASEAN countries will discuss the evolving security architecture in the region, including in maritime and cyber space, during a two-day meet here beginning Tuesday.

“Yes, we will be discussing regional security architecture (with ASEAN countries), as well as South China Sea issues, maritime security, cyber security,” Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs Anil Wadhwa told reporters here.

When asked about South China Sea and whether it would figure during the Delhi Dialogue VII, he said, “When we discuss security issues in the South China Sea, maritime security etc, obviously these issues will come up.

“The idea is to evolve a security architecture in the region… The code of conduct in South China Sea, which is engaging China and the ASEAN countries… All these issues will come up,” Wadhwa said.

India has been always maintaining that there should be a freedom of navigation in the high seas and the territorial dispute in South China Sea should be resolved through dialogue. The territorial disputes in South China Sea involve both island and maritime claims among several countries in the region including China, Vietnam and Philippines.

Source:: Indian Express