NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday backed the Philippines in its dispute with China over islands in South China Sea, which Manila calls West Philippine Sea, saying it wanted peaceful resolution for the maritime disputes.
India’s position implies diplomatic support for the Philippines’ decision to approach Permanent Court of Arbitration against Beijing’s maritime claims in early 2013 and persisting with arbitration even though China boycotted the proceedings of the Arbitral Tribunal for long.
The Tribunal is likely to announce its decision this month and even if China were to ignore any adverse ruling, it will have to deal with a loss of face which, many hope, would force it to go slow on its recent military build up in South China Sea.