Posted by Rafael Antonio Cabrero/India on May 02, 1997 at 15:56:34:
Two days ago, my government received information that two Chinese naval vessels entered the area of the Spratlys near Kota and Panata Islands, which are claimed by the Philippines. India must protest this action from the Chinese government which will serve just to continue the spiral of escalation that could explode into an all-out naval war. Furthermore, India is corncerned that the Philippines' reaction of putting its armed forces on a higher state of alert, while within its rights as a sovereign state to defend itself will not help ease the tensions in the region.
India asks both parties to back down and pursue a policy of negotiation and peaceful resolution of this crisis. As a country with a relatively large merchant fleet and that conducts a great deal of trade in the South China Sea, India must once again express its deepest concerns and urges the countries in the region to take immediate steps to peacefully resolve this situation.
India takes note of the remarks made by my right honorable colleague from the Philippines regarding the participation of the government of Taiwan. India feels that tying the Spratlys with the conflict between the governments in Taipei and Beijing will not be conducive to a solution to either conflict. India doubts that the Chinese government will allow the participation of Taiwan as an equal partner in this debate. Furhtermore, India feels that the cause of regional peace will not be served by muddling the issues of Taiwan and the Spartlys.