Freedom of navigation in South China Sea should not be impeded: MEA

Asserting that freedom of navigation in the South China Sea should not be impeded, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday called for cooperation in ensuring security of sea-lanes and strengthening of maritime security.

"We have been following with concern recent developments in the South China Sea. We believe that maintenance of peace, stability, growth and prosperity in the region is of vital interest to the international community," an MEA statement said.

"We would like to see resolution of the issue through peaceful means in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law. In this context, we also maintain that freedom of navigation in the South China Sea should not be impeded and call for cooperation in ensuring security of sea-lanes and strengthening of maritime security, the statement added.

The MEA statement came as media reports said that tensions have escalated in the South China Sea region this week after China, Vietnam and the Philippines were involved in a series of potentially explosive confrontations over disputed territory.

Vietnamese officials say Chinese military and civilian ships have been intimidating their vessels near the Paracel Islands-which are controlled by Beijing, but claimed by Hanoi-since Sunday, even accusing the Chinese of repeatedly ramming into them and shooting water cannons.

But China blames Vietnam for forcefully disrupting drilling activities, and demand that it withdraw all vessels from the area.