South China Sea NEW DELHI: The government has reiterated its position on the South China Sea issue, saying India emphasises the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and unimpeded commerce consistent with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).The ministry of external affairs (MEA) was responding to queries about a joint statement by the US, Japan, the Philippines and 11 other countries which said China’s expansive claim in South China Sea has no legal basis.The joint statement marked the 10th anniversary of a landmark international tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines in 2016 that had rejected China’s sweeping claim of sovereignty in South China Sea. Beijing never accepted the ruling.”We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS…” MEA said.The joint statement said, “We reaffirm that the award …by the Arbitral Tribunal …is final, legally binding and definitive between China and the Philippines.”Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos5 Plots, 4 Flats, Villa: ACB Raid On HMDA Engineer Exposes Rs 9.24 Crore Assets | HyderabadIndia-UK Trade Deal Kicks In From July 15, 99% Of Indian Exports Get Duty-Free AccessSupreme Court Refuses Stay In Bhojshala Case, Allows Alternate Namaz Site Till Final VerdictOp Vijay: How India Captured Tololing And Point 5140 Before Tiger HillAssam’s Tinsukia Uses CCTV And LED Screens To Shame Alleged Public Urinators’Brazenly Violated Our Order’: Supreme Court Imposes ₹3 Lakh Fine On Comedian Samay RainaCalls For Wangchuk To Call Off Hunger Strike Grow: Politicians, Actors, Even Dipke Issue Appeals₹198 Crore, 8 Criminal Cases: What Prashant Kishor’s Bankipur Bypoll Affidavit RevealsIron Rods Hurled, Car Windows Smashed As Family Chased For 15 Km After Harassment RowViral Video Claims Pensioner’s Bank Account Showed Rs 759 Crore, Raises Questions Over Glitch123PhotostoriesExclusive – Sunita Ahuja on Govinda’s alleged affairs and why she chose forgiveness; says ‘Why should I walk away if I love my husband? Kaun sa hero doodh ka dhula hai’From gold mines to desert ruins; 5 real ghost towns across America that look frozen in timeThink you know cows? These 5 surprising facts say otherwise8 ways to stop overthinking before it steals your peace of mindAlia Bhatt serves gothic glam in an all-black look as she joins Sohum Shah for ‘Tumbbad 2’Your kidneys could be losing function for years before creatinine rises; Doctor explains the silent damage most people never notice10 literary baby names inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless playsAvoiding sweets but blood sugar still rising? These overlooked daily habits could be the real reason, says doctor“Children need more than just parents to grow”: Kajol on why she sent her daughter to a boarding schoolHPV vaccine can prevent most cervical cancer cases: What every parent and young woman should know before deciding123Hot PicksNEET recorded responseRSCIT admit cardGold rate todayITR filingOil Price TodaySonam Wangchuk hunger strikeS. JaishankarWayanad LandslideStrait of HormuTop TrendingKarnataka Black MagicVietnam Boat TragedyITR filingFIFA World Cup 2026Tamil Nadu Steel Melting UnitGhaziabad Mall Rape MurderDelhi Police Wife MurderSharad PawarJharkhand RapeIran war
NEW DELHI: The government has reiterated its position on the South China Sea issue, saying India emphasises the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and unimpeded commerce consistent with United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).The ministry of external affairs (MEA) was responding to queries about a joint statement by the US, Japan, the Philippines and 11 other countries which said China’s expansive claim in South China Sea has no legal basis.The joint statement marked the 10th anniversary of a landmark international tribunal ruling in favour of the Philippines in 2016 that had rejected China’s sweeping claim of sovereignty in South China Sea. Beijing never accepted the ruling.“We reaffirm that maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with UNCLOS…” MEA said.The joint statement said, “We reaffirm that the award …by the Arbitral Tribunal …is final, legally binding and definitive between China and the Philippines.”
