India backed the Philippines on Friday amid rising tensions in the South China Sea due to China’s assertive activities in recent weeks, saying New Delhi opposes destabilizing measures that seek to change the status quo by force.
China has increased its efforts against the Philippines in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, including the deployment of “gray zone tactics”. A Philippine navy officer was seriously hurt when China’s coast guard detained two Filipino ships on a resupply mission to an outpost on Second Thomas Shoal last week.
“We oppose destabilizing or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo through force or coercion…and we emphasize the importance of peaceful dispute resolution,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told regular media without specifically alluding to China.
In response to a query about tensions between China and the Philippines, he stated that India has repeatedly defined its view on events in the South China Sea.
“We have always stressed the need of following international law, respecting the rules-based order, and resolving disagreements peacefully. Aside from that, we feel there should be no occurrence or strategy that destabilises the region,” he stated.
The Philippines has emerged as India’s primary strategic and defence partner in Southeast Asia. In April, India delivered the first battery of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and launchers to the Philippines, two years after the two countries agreed to equip the Philippine Marines with three batteries for $375 million.
Recent incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels in the South China Sea:
Collision Incident: The Philippine military reported a “intentional high-speed ramming” by the Chinese Coast Guard on one of their resupply ships in the South China Sea.
During the crash, one Filipino sailor sustained critical injuries.
The confrontation happened near the Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed territory that has long been considered a flashpoint between the Philippines and China.
Mutual Defense pact: The United States and the Philippines have a pact that requires them to support each other during major conflicts.
Tensions and Assertiveness: China’s assertiveness in claiming practically all of the South China Sea has caused tensions with other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
A new Chinese law empowers its coast guard to capture foreign ships that enter its territorial seas and imprison foreign crews for up to 60 days.
India and the Philippines have been strengthening their defense cooperation in recent years:
- The Philippines has already received BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. In 2022, the Philippines struck a $375 million agreement with India to acquire the BrahMos missile system. As part of this deal, the Indian Air Force flew C-17 Globemaster transport planes to deliver the missiles to the Philippine Marine Corps.
- Last month, the Philippines received ground equipment for the BrahMos missile system. This decision is critical for the Philippines’ defense modernization program, especially given the ongoing regional tensions with China in the South China Sea. The BrahMos missiles can put opponents at risk up to 290-300 kilometers from Western Luzon, where the missile facility is located.
- ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIMEX): India engages with ASEAN nations, including the Philippines, in AIMEX. These exercises focus on enhancing maritime security, interoperability, and cooperation in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
- Philippine-US Balikatan Exercises: While not directly involving India, the Philippines conducts annual Balikatan exercises with the United States. These exercises strengthen military ties and enhance disaster response capabilities.
- Regional Forums: India and the Philippines participate in regional forums like the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). These platforms facilitate dialogue, joint exercises, and confidence-building measures among member states.
