BALI: India firmly rejected China's objections to its presence in the South China Sea, with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh telling Chinese leader Wen Jiabao that Indian interests were "purely commercial" and sovereignty claims must be settled according to international law.Questioned by Wen Jiabao on projects involving India in the marine zone that China sees as its strategic backyard during their meeting here on Friday, Singh said India's oil exploration activities were legitimate commercial ventures. Wen raised the issue during a 55-minute meeting with Singh on the sidelines of the Asean summit here and Singh gently but firmly told him, "issues of sovereignty should be resolved according to international laws and practice".Sources said the PM's response came during the interaction that saw Wen seek greater coordination between India and China on the agenda of the East Asia summit.
Wen's raising of the South China Sea issue with Singh signaled Beijing's growing concerns particularly as it has fought hard to keep this out of the purview of both Asean and East Asia Summits, preferring to deal with the matter bilaterally. Addressing Asean leaders during the Asean-China summit on Friday, Wen warned "outside forces" from getting embroiled in the South China Sea dispute.
Wen's raising of the South China Sea issue with Singh signaled Beijing's growing concerns particularly as it has fought hard to keep this out of the purview of both Asean and East Asia Summits, preferring to deal with the matter bilaterally. Addressing Asean leaders during the Asean-China summit on Friday, Wen warned "outside forces" from getting embroiled in the South China Sea dispute.