Indonesia rejects China’s claims over Natuna waters
Indonesia has dismissed China’s invitation to sit down for a dialogue to “manage disputes” over Indonesia’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ) in the North Natuna Sea, arguing that there are no overlapping claims there.
Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia has dismissed China’s invitation to sit down for adialogue to “manage disputes” over Indonesia’s exclusive economic zones (EEZ)in the North Natuna Sea, arguing that there are no overlapping claims there.
Followingrevelations of a wave of illicit activities by Chinese coastguard and fishingvessels in Natuna waters last week, Indonesia summoned Chinese Ambassador to thecountry Xiao Qian to lodge a formal protest.
The ForeignMinistry said Indonesia would never recognize China's “Nine-dash Line” – thegeographic expression of China's sweeping claim over the East Sea – because itwas contrary to international law.
Indonesia onJanuary 1 responded by firmly rejecting the asserted historical claims. Theministry said they were "unilateral, have no legal basis and have neverbeen recognised by the 1982 UNCLOS [United Nations Convention on the Law of theSea],” Jakarta Post reported.
According tothe newspaper, the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) recorded thatbetween December 19-24, at least 63 Chinese fishing and coast guard vessels hadentered Natuna waters./.
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Illustrative image. (Source: Reuters) 
