Amid increasing sparring between China and its neighbours over disputed oil blocks in the South China Sea, India today said the region was key to its energysecurity and the conflict must be resolved peacefully as per international laws.

Expressing concern over the escalating tension in the area, India's Ambassador to Vietnam Ranjit Rae said half of India's export and import go through the South China Sea and India considers itself as an integral part of the archipelagosand its development. 

"The dispute should be resolved as per international laws.The South China Sea is very important and there should be safety and security of the international ships so that import and export are not affected," he said here. China has been opposing resolution of the dispute under international laws and insisting on resolving the issue through bilateral talks with respective countries.

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