Quiet diplomacy could ease South China Sea tensions
Source:The Hindu
For Prelims: The South China Sea, United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), Nine-dash line, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
For Mains: The South China Sea Dispute.
Highlights of the Article:
1.India and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen their bilateral partnership, especially in the maritime domain.
2.India has reiterated its commitment to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
3.India has called for respect for the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which was won by the Philippines against China.
4.The South China Sea is a vital maritime gateway and junction for shipping between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
5.There is a need for a political framework to resolve the South China Sea issue, and this can only be achieved through dialogue.
Context:
The context of the article is the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea between China and its neighbors.
UPSC EXAM NOTES EDITORIAL ANALYSIS:
India and the Philippines Strengthen Bilateral Partnership:
Recently there has been a meet between the Foreign Ministers of India and the Philippines. These two countries agreed to strengthen their bilateral partnership, especially in the maritime domain. This is significant because it shows that India is committed to working with its partners to promote a peaceful resolution of the South China Sea issue.
India Reaffirms Commitment to International Law:
India is committed to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India has called for respect for the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which was won by the Philippines against China. This is important because it shows that India is not backing down from its commitment to international law, even in the face of Chinese pressure.
South China Sea is a Vital Maritime Gateway:
The South China Sea is a vital maritime gateway and junction for shipping between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Any confrontation in the South China Sea would be a danger to regional and global security. This is why it is so important to find a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea issue.
Need for Political Framework to Resolve South China Sea Issue:
The article concludes by calling for a political framework to resolve the South China Sea issue. The article argues that this can only be achieved through dialogue. This is a realistic assessment of the situation, and it is important that all parties involved work together to find a peaceful solution.
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Practice Questions:
1.What role can ASEAN play in resolving the South China Sea issue? 2.What are the potential risks of a confrontation in the South China Sea? 3.What are the opportunities for cooperation between India and the Philippines in the maritime domain? |
