Indonesia does not have claims in the South China Sea, but China’s ’10-dash line’ to demarcate its claims overlaps Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
On October 24, Indonesia reported turning away a Chinese coast guard ship on the southern edge of the South China Sea, marking the second interception within a week in the disputed waters claimed by China and several Asian nations.
An Indonesian patrolling ship notified the Chinese vessel that they had entered Indonesia’s territorial waters. However, the Chinese coast guard personnel claimed that the water was within Chinese jurisdiction. In response, Indonesia mobilized a patrol aircraft and a navy ship to escort the Chinese vessel out of the area.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) claims sovereignty over a significant portion of the South China Sea, overlapping with the EEZ of Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
Indonesia has indicated that it will not yield to pressure from China.
“Bakamla will continue to conduct intensive patrols and monitoring in the waters of North Natuna to ensure that seismic survey activities proceed smoothly and uphold Indonesia’s sovereignty and sovereign rights,” as stated in the October 22 announcement.
In response to Indonesia’s allegations, China’s foreign ministry asserted on October 24 that its coast guard was conducting “routine patrols in waters under China’s jurisdiction in accordance with international and domestic law.”
“China is prepared to enhance communication and consultation with Indonesia through diplomatic channels to address maritime issues between the two countries,” said Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the ministry, during a regular briefing in Beijing.
Lin’s comments coincided with a meeting between China’s new ambassador to Indonesia, Wang Lutong, and Indonesia’s defense minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The Indonesian account of the meeting did not mention the latest Chinese incidents. It emphasized Sjamsoeddin’s desire to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, including potential joint drills in the future.
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