Beijing: Terming India's plans to conduct oil exploration off Vietnam coast in the South China Sea as "illegal", a state-run Chinese daily today said it is an "unwise move" that may "sabotage" positive momentum in ties.

"India's intention to once again explore for oil in the disputed waters of the South China Sea is an unwise move, as it will further complicate the maritime disputes and do a disservice to maintaining the positive momentum that has been achieved in China-India ties," the China Daily said in an editorial.