PM urges Asean unity on territorial disputes

Modi asks bloc to work together to help sovereignty of all nations, days after controversial China map roiled region

- Rezaul H Laskar

The Asian century requires creation of a rules-based post-COVID-19 world order and joint efforts are needed to strengthen the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday against the backdrop of China’s assertive actions on territorial disputes.

Modi’s remarks, made while addressing the Asean-India Summit and East Asia Summit in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, came days after Beijing released a “standard map” that includes swathes of territories of other countries within China’s borders. India, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, VietnamandTaiwanhave protested against the Chinese map.

During the theAsean-India Summit, Modi proposed a 12-point plan to bolster cooperation with the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Modi told the meeting that the two sides have a common interest in amplifying the voices of the Global South and ensuring a free and open IndoPacific. India is determined to workwith all ASEAN members to achieve these goals, he said. 

“The 21st century is the century of Asia. This is our century. This requires the creation of a rules-based post-Covid world order, and everyone’s effort for human welfare,” he said at the Asean-India Summit, speaking in Hindi. 

Modi was more pointed in his remarks at the East Asia Summit (EAS), which was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. EAS groups Asean member states and eight dialogue partners, including Australia, China, Japan, Russia and the US.