China’s actions in the South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) figured in the discussions, with both sides briefing each other on the latest developments, people familiar with developments said on condition of anonymity. The Vietnamese side “underlined the importance of peace and security in the South China Sea”, one of the people cited above said. “India invited Vietnam to collaborate on one of the seven pillars of the IPOI,” it added. In recent years, Vietnam has often turned to India for support over China’s increasing activities within its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. India has approved 12 QIPs in Vietnam, including seven water resource management schemes in the Mekong Delta and five for building educational infrastructure.

Source: Hindustan Times August 25, 2020 18:29 UTC