SOUTH CHINA SEA tensions escalated after India and Japan made a joint vow to ensure Beijing’s tightening grip on the most coveted waters in the world does not spiral out of control, and into conflict.
India and Japan’s defence ministers, Rajnath Singh and Nobuo Kishi respectively, issued a warning shot to China that it would “continue exchanging views” on the ongoing situation over the disputed region. Their promise will no doubt concern Beijing, which recently saw the US pass a bill to spend $18.5bn (£13.5bn) on its Pacific Deterrence Initiative to boost its military presence in the South China Sea. With most neighbouring South China Sea nations opposed to Beijing’s claim of sovereignty in the waters, fears of war have been sparked. Read More…
