TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesia has urged all parties to exercise restraint and maintain peace in the South China Sea following a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels earlier this week.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nabyl Achmad Mulachela said the incident highlights the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in managing regional relations.
"Indonesia is pushing for the peaceful resolution of the South China Sea dispute through dialogue, diplomacy, and in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," Nabyl told reporters at the Foreign Ministry in Central Jakarta on Thursday, July 23.
Indonesia Calls for Dialogue
Nabyl said Indonesia is urging ASEAN member states and dialogue partners to prioritize diplomacy in resolving disputes, in line with the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and the ASEAN Charter.
"Indonesia continues to urge ASEAN member states and partners to implement the principles enshrined in these regional frameworks," he said.
According to Al Jazeera, the confrontation occurred on Monday, July 20, near the Second Thomas Shoal.
Philippine authorities accused the China Coast Guard of deliberately ramming a Philippine vessel, injuring a Filipino fisherman. Beijing, however, said the Philippine Navy vessel ignored repeated warnings and collided with a Chinese patrol ship.
Under UNCLOS, the Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, lies within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Although China has ratified the treaty, it has rejected a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated its expansive claims in the South China Sea.
The U.S. Department of State condemned what it described as China's "dangerous and aggressive" actions against Philippine personnel.
In a statement, the department said China's "troubling pattern of provocation against lawful Philippine maritime operations undermines regional peace and stability and directly contradicts China’s repeated commitments to resolve disputes peacefully."
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Set to Issue US$1 Billion in Panda Bonds
1 hari lalu
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa says Indonesia will issue US$1 billion in Panda Bonds in the Chinese capital market.
China, Philippines Clash Ahead of ASEAN Meeting
2 hari lalu
China and the Philippines traded accusations after a violent altercation between navy personnel in the disputed South China Sea.
China Respects Indonesia's One-Stop Export Policy for Strategic Commodities
2 hari lalu
Chinese Ambassador Wang Lutong said China respects Indonesia's one-stop export policy for strategic resources.
China Firm Seeks Damages Over State Control of British Steel
3 hari lalu
A Chinese steel giant demanded compensation from UK government, claiming the state's takeover of its subsidiary, British Steel, was "outright robbery"
Indonesia Promotes Six Regional Airports to Boost China Flights
4 hari lalu
Indonesia is promoting six regional airports to strengthen connectivity between Indonesia, the broader ASEAN region, and China.
Indonesia Eyes Poultry Exports to China, Middle East
4 hari lalu
Indonesia continues to explore export opportunities for poultry products to China and the Middle East.
Indonesia Invites China to Invest in 100 GW Solar Power Program
4 hari lalu
Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto invited Chinese companies to invest in the development of solar power plants.
Airlangga Optimistic Indonesia Can Match China in AI
4 hari lalu
Coordinating Minister Airlangga expressed confidence that Indonesia can catch up to China's current advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
Minister Says AI a 'Game Changer' for Indonesia: What Does It Mean?
5 hari lalu
Digital economy and AI development in Indonesia is nothing new, said a minister, citing the 2018 launch of 'Industry 4.0.'
Indonesia Ready to Support Open, Beneficial AI Ecosystem
5 hari lalu
Indonesia has affirmed its readiness to contribute to an open global AI ecosystem that benefits society.
