The Brewing Storm in the South China Sea
Amidst the brewing tensions between China and the Philippines over the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a steadfast ally has emerged to reaffirm its unwavering support for Manila's sovereignty. During his official visit to the Philippines, India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, took the opportunity to firmly reiterate India's backing for the archipelagic nation's efforts to uphold its national sovereignty.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar (left) shakes hands with Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo after holding a joint press conference at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila on March 26, 2024. | Photo Credit: AFP
The backdrop to this diplomatic overture is the escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed reefs, with both sides refusing to back down. The latest incident, which Manila has deemed the most severe thus far, unfolded on Saturday near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands, as a Philippine resupply mission encountered aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard.
A Confluence of Maritime Interests
Jaishankar's remarks, delivered during a news conference in the Philippine capital, underscored India's vested interest in the region as a maritime nation deeply invested in the Indo-Pacific through its Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision. "As the world changes, it is essential that India and the Philippines cooperate more closely to shape the emerging model," he asserted, echoing the sentiments of Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, who affirmed that every country has the right to uphold and enforce its national sovereignty.
This convergence of interests has manifested in tangible steps towards enhanced maritime cooperation between the two nations. During Jaishankar's visit, Manalo announced plans for an inaugural maritime dialogue to be held in Manila, encompassing potential partnerships ranging from marine environment protection to security concerns.
A Burgeoning Strategic Partnership
The growing strategic partnership between India and the Philippines, particularly in the realms of defense and security, has been a hallmark of recent years. In 2022, Manila became the first foreign purchaser of the BrahMos cruise missile, a weapon system jointly developed by India and Russia, sealing a $375 million deal that underscored the deepening trust and collaboration between the two nations.
Furthermore, both countries are active participants in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain awareness initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing regional maritime security and promoting a rules-based order in the increasingly contested waters.
Adherence to International Law: A Clarion Call
While refraining from directly mentioning China or the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Jaishankar's remarks highlighted the imperative for all parties to adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), describing it as the "constitution of the seas." This sentiment was echoed by Manalo, who emphasized the Philippines and India's steadfast support for freedom of navigation and compliance with international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which invalidated China's claims in the South China Sea.
A Multifaceted Engagement
India's engagement with the Philippines extends far beyond the realm of maritime cooperation and territorial disputes. Jaishankar underscored the expanding ties between the two nations across a myriad of sectors, including trade, investment, health, food security, education, science and technology, defense, and maritime cooperation.
With bilateral trade surpassing the $3 billion mark last year, India, as the fifth-largest economy, aims to enhance its engagement with the Philippines, reflecting the growing comfort and trust between the two nations. This trust is exemplified by ongoing exceptional measures, such as the supply of rice from India to the Philippines, amid global food security challenges.
Countering Threats in the Maritime Domain
Amidst the escalating attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, India and the Philippines have recognized the urgent need to ensure the safety of their seafarers operating in the region. Manalo commended the swift and effective response of the Indian Navy to a distress call from the vessel MV True Confidence, which led to the safe return of 13 Filipino seafarers.
Jaishankar, during his meetings with Philippine officials, including National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, underscored India's commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and briefed them on Indian Navy deployments in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea to counter prevailing threats.
China's Rebuke: Asserting Sovereignty
China, however, has swiftly reacted to the comments made by Jaishankar and Manalo, asserting that "third parties" have no role in the disputes in the South China Sea. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that "maritime disputes are issues between the countries concerned. Third parties have no right to interfere whatsoever."
Lin further urged relevant parties to "face squarely the facts and truth on the South China Sea issue, and respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests." This stance underscores China's unwavering determination to maintain its claims in the region, setting the stage for potential future confrontations with nations challenging its territorial assertions.
A Rules-Based Order: The Cornerstone of Regional Prosperity
Despite China's rebuke, Jaishankar and Manalo's remarks underscore a shared conviction that the progress and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region are inextricably linked to a staunch adherence to a rules-based order. This conviction resonates not only within the context of the South China Sea disputes but also in the broader domain of regional security and stability.
By reaffirming their commitment to upholding international law, including UNCLOS, India and the Philippines have positioned themselves as bulwarks against the erosion of a rules-based order in the maritime domain. Their growing partnership, underpinned by shared values and mutual interests, serves as a counterweight to unilateral assertions of sovereignty and a safeguard against the destabilizing effects of territorial disputes.
A Clarion Call for Multilateral Cooperation
As the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region continues to evolve, the resolute stance taken by India and the Philippines serves as a clarion call for multilateral cooperation and diplomatic resolve. By fostering strategic partnerships and reinforcing adherence to international law, these nations are contributing to the preservation of a rules-based order that transcends national interests and promotes regional stability and prosperity.
In the face of escalating tensions and territorial disputes, the world witnesses the emergence of a partnership forged by shared maritime interests, a commitment to sovereignty, and a steadfast belief in the principles of international law. As India and the Philippines navigate the turbulent waters of the Indo-Pacific, their collective voice resonates as a beacon of hope, guiding the region towards a future where the rule of law prevails, and the sanctity of national sovereignty is upheld.
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