India (Common Wealth) _ According to the top US diplomat for East Asia, the US expects a stronger relationship with India in the South China Sea, where China has been at the focus of multiple territorial conflicts with regional countries.
During a state visit to Washington last week by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the US and India declared themselves “among the closest partners in the world” and emphasized adherence to international law in addressing challenges to the maritime rules-based order, including in the South China Sea.
According to Daniel Kritenbrink of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, the United States has observed a “clear and upward trend” of Chinese “coercion” in the disputed waters.
When asked if India will play a bigger role in the South China Sea and work more closely with the US, Kritenbrink responded, “Yes,” adding that there would be more coordination among the Quad, a group of regional countries that includes the US, India, Japan, and Australia.
He stated that the United States’ priority in the region is to develop the capability of allies, partners, and friends who share a vision of a peaceful and stable world.
“Large countries should not bully smaller ones,” he continued, referring to China’s territorial conflicts with other South China Sea claimants.
Tensions are high in contested portions of the sea, which serves as one of the world’s most significant trade channels, carrying more than $3 trillion in annual ship-borne commerce.
China claims practically the whole sea as its territory and says conflicts should be resolved by regional governments without outside intervention.
According to a representative for China’s embassy in Washington, Beijing’s South China Sea position has a solid historical and legal foundation, whereas the United States is not a party to the conflicts and should not be undertaking military operations in the area.
Though not a South China Sea claimant, India has increased security relations in the region in recent years, signaling its intention to play a larger role in efforts to oppose China.
On Wednesday, India’s military announced the gift of an active-duty missile corvette to Vietnam, the country’s first warship.
