'Fragile' South China Sea situation poses clear maritime danger: Indian Navy chief
Story highlights
In recent weeks, Chinese aggressive actions have heightened tensions in the South China Sea, including a collision between a Chinese and a Filipino supply boat within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, in a sobering assessment of the South China Sea, labelled the current situation as 'fragile'.
Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD-2023), Admiral Kumar expressed deep concerns over recent violations in that part of the world, underscoring the imminent danger several of these actions pose to the established order at sea.
"The fragile security situation in the South China Sea, in addition to the happening of violations of established Codes of Conduct or Confidence Building Measures, poses a clear and present danger to good order and discipline at sea," warned Admiral Kumar.
trending now
)
Hamas-run govt says 700 Palestinians killed in 24 hours as Israel intensifies operations across Gaza
)
11 climbers die in volcanic eruption in Indonesia, search ops halted due to lava discharge
)
Morning brief: Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, and more
)
India state election results: PM Modi's BJP scores a sweeping 3/4 in crucial test before 2024 final
)
New Zealand on edge: Suspicious packages with fake baby covered in blood found outside US, Israeli embassies
)
Mizoram Assembly Elections 2023 Results Live Updates: BJP ally MNF confident of securing another term
)
US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis
)
New York stabbing attack: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoots suspect dead
)
When Tom Hanks worked as Bellman and delivered a bag to Cher in her hotel room
)
This groundbreaking new drug is all set to increase life span of large dogs
)
Taylor Swift, Simone Biles bring star-power to stand during Packers vs Chiefs
)
Indian PM Modi hails four-state election results as victory of 'politics of development'
)
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire trailer out! Titans team up to battle new monsterverse villain
)
CID star Dinesh Phadnis aka Fredericks is on ventilator support: Report
)
NY fashion designer Mrinalini Kumari who's dressed Beyonce wants Indian artisans to get the spotlight
In recent weeks, Chinese aggressive actions have heightened tensions in the South China Sea, including a collision between a Chinese and a Filipino supply boat within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
China's territorial claims, particularly the contentious "9-dash line," have drawn sharp rebukes from regional neighbours. This is even as Beijing has been involved in a tense border situation with India.
Admiral Kumar stressed the multifaceted consequences of contestation at sea, encompassing economic, social, and physical security. He illustrated these concerns with two compelling examples during his address.
"The blockage of Suez Canal by MV Ever Given in 2021, though not an outcome of military contestation or conflict, is a stark reminder of how economic security could be threatened by a small incident," explained Admiral Kumar.
The Suez Canal, spanning 193 km, facilitates 12 per cent of global trade, transports one million barrels of oil daily, and contributes 2 per cent to Egypt's GDP. The six-day blockade resulted in an estimated economic loss of $60 billion globally.
Turning to the ongoing conflict in Europe, Admiral Kumar highlighted the disruption of Black Sea shipping lanes.
"This conflict disturbed grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, which together provide 30 per cent wheat, 75 per cent sunflower oil, and 20 per cent maize of the world's supply," he said.
The repercussions of this disruption sparked global panic, particularly in North Africa and the Middle East, which heavily rely on grain imports from the region.
)
