18 October 2012

News Story: Antony calls for restraint in resolving South China Sea


NEW DELHI (PTI): Against the backdrop of a tiff between India and China over the South China Sea, Defence Minister A K Antony has called for exercising restraint to resolve the issue while pressing for freedom of navigation and access to resources.

"Our view is that all countries should exercise restraint and resolve the issue through dialogues according to principles of international law," Antony said in Jakarta on Tuesday after meeting his Indonesian counterpart Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

The Defence Minister is in Indonesia on a three-day visit.

"India supports the freedom of navigation and access to resources in accordance with principles of international law and these should be respected by all," he said.

In recent times, China and several other countries have been engaged in territorial disputes in the South China Sea territory. China has also objected to oil exploration by Indian companies in partnership with Vietnam.

Read the full story at Brahmand