China Daily, Chinese state-run newspaper, on Wednesday, published a world map showing countries that support and also countries that do not support China's stand on South China Sea case.

The map appeared in China Daily barely a day after the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled against China on South China Sea dispute. The article is seen as a part of Beijing's public relations exercise to shore up support amid the global backlash on South China Sea case.          

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The state-run newspaper claims that China has the support of nearly 70 countries in the South China Sea case. A text below the map said: "More than 70 countries have publicly voiced support for China's position that South China Sea disputes should be resolved through negotiations and not arbitration. In contrast, just several countries, mainly the United States and its close allies, have publicly supported the Philippines and called for observing the ruling as legally binding."       

Among these 70 countries, India's name clearly stood out, as New Delhi is widely seen as China's regional rival. India's mention among the supporting countries was unexpected, given that Beijing vociferously stood against India's Nuclear Supplier Group membership in a plenary meeting last month at Seoul, South Korea.

Officials in Indian government were not forthcoming When asked about New Delhi's support for China's stance. Without naming China, India's external affairs ministry urged all concerned parties to respect the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).

"As a State Party to the UNCLOS, India urges all parties to show the utmost respect for the UNCLOS, which establishes the international legal order of the seas and oceans," the statement said. It added all stakeholders must "exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that could complicate or escalate disputes affecting peace and stability."

Sources in the Indian government have labeled the China Daily article as a "misinformation campaign by China," Indian news paper Hindustan Times reported.

TagsIndia, South China Sea, India and China, China Daily