Admiral Joshi’s remarks are consistent with India’s already articulated position that international tonnage must pass unmolested through the South China Sea
It may be prudent not to get unduly nationalistic and over-read the observation of Navy Chief Adm. D.K. Joshi that India is gearing up to defend its interests in the South China Sea, the entirety of which is claimed by Beijing as its territorial domain.
No military situation has arisen in the area, and hopefully none would if all concerned conduct themselves with due circumspection. Several of China’s maritime neighbours, including Vietnam, also have traditional claims in those waters. This naturally makes the situation complicated but not one that necessarily leads up to a casus belli.
With the recently announced American pivot towards Asia (Far East), and the expanded deployment of the US Navy in this theatre this would entail, all concerned are likely to lean towards negotiation than conflagration, although the Chinese are naturally expected to be mindful of their legitimate interests.
India is in the process of oil exploration for Vietnam in the South China Sea. Beijing has been protesting this for the past year on grounds that India should not venture into its waters. That’s fair enough. But it has been this nation’s view that maritime boundaries must first be clearly demarcated in terms of international law, and that the contending parties sort out the domain issue through negotiations.
At the same time India believes that a part of South China Sea is clearly international waters through which peaceful passage for world shipping must be ensured. The proposition finds wide support. Adm. Joshi’s remarks are consistent with India’s already articulated position that international tonnage must pass unmolested through the South China Sea, and that this country has every right to engage in oil prospecting in the territorial waters of any country that asks for it.
The Navy Chief’s remarks have come when a new generation of Chinese leaders are in the process of taking charge. This is just as well. Adm. Joshi has done well to note that the recent expansion of China’s naval capacity has been “impressive”. In terms of standard geostrategic construct, nations make their military preparations in the light of the military capabilities of others, not their stated intentions.
It is reassuring that at a time of transition in Beijing, the Chinese have sought deepening of ties with India in their interaction with national security adviser Shivshankar Menon, who was visiting their country.
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