China Slams India-Philippines Naval Drills in South China Sea
Beijing has voiced strong objections to the recently concluded joint naval exercise between India and the Philippines in the contested South China Sea. The drills, conducted on an unspecified date, are seen as a significant development in the region’s complex geopolitical landscape.
China’s Foreign Ministry reiterated its long-standing position, asserting that territorial and maritime disputes in the area should be resolved exclusively through bilateral negotiations between the directly concerned nations. This statement subtly criticizes the inclusion of a third party, India, in the naval exercises.
The joint military maneuvers underscore growing anxieties over China’s assertive claims in the South China Sea, a vital waterway for global trade. India’s participation reflects its strategic interest in maintaining freedom of navigation and upholding international maritime law in the region.
This latest development further intensifies the strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, with implications for regional stability and India’s growing engagement with its Southeast Asian partners. The incident highlights the escalating tensions and the potential for further escalation in the disputed waters.
