PM Modi takes aim at Beijing’s role in South China Sea

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday underlined during his Brunei visit that India supports development but not “expansionism”, alluding to China’s aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea (SCS) region.

The PM, who met Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan, stressed in his remarks at the banquet on the need to respect the “freedom of navigation and overflight”.

“We agree that a code of conduct should be finalised in this region. We support the policy of development, and not expansionism,” the PM emphasised.

The comments assume significance in the backdrop of Philippines-China tensions in the SCS region. Brunei claims to be part of the South China Sea, most of which China lays claim to. But unlike some other countries with claims in the region, Brunei has kept silent on its own claim to a relatively small area off northern Borneo while expanding economic ties with China.

“Both leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, as well as respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce, consistent with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. The leaders also urged all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982,” said a joint statement issued after the bilateral talks.

It also said that the two leaders reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to maintaining the region’s peace, stability, security, prosperity and resilience, and underscored the importance of adhering to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and international law.Referring to the outcomes in his meeting, Modi said, “We have decided to strengthen our cooperation in fintech and cybersecurity along with agri-industry, pharmaceutical and health sectors. Under energy sector, we discussed the potential for long term cooperation in LNG.”On defence, the joint statement said that both leaders acknowledged the importance of enhancing defence and maritime cooperation including through regular exchanges of visits, training programmes, joint exercises and visits of naval and coast guard ships between the two countries. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the regular port-calls by vessels from both countries, it said.