A joint statement was issued by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vietnamese Premier Nguyen Xuan Phuc, calling for a peaceful resolution of the disputes over the South China Sea, on Saturday.
The two leaders called the attention of all parties to resolve the disputes through peaceful settlements without threat or use of force. However, China continues to build military forces on some islands in the South China Sea, resulting to weakening ties with other claimants.
"Both sides also called on all states to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability, respect the diplomatic and legal processes, fully observe the Declaration on the conduct of parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and soon finalize the Code of Conduct (COC)," Modi and Phuc said in the joint statement.
China, Philippines and Vietnam have been into bitter arguments over the ownership of several islands and reefs in South China Sea. In July, the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration issued decision favoring the claim of the Philippines over South China Sea.
During the Indian Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi's state visit last Sept. 2 to 3, Modi announced the plan of Indian government to provide four new patrol boats to Vietnam.
