Indonesia renames area in the South China Sea.

Indonesia has renamed an area in the South China Sea as the North Natuna Sea, an effort seen as an attempt to reject China's "nine-dash line" claim.

Indonesian officials release new map. Photo: Reuters

"We want to update the name of the sea area to conform to common practice: North Sea."Natuna",Reutersquoted todaygrandfatherArif Havas Oegroseno, an official in charge of maritime sovereignty issues at Indonesia's Ministry of Maritime Affairs,speak.

This body of water, which Indonesia calls the North Natuna Sea, is located in the north.Indonesia's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.GrandfatherOegrosenoIt was added that the area north of the exclusive economic zone is where oil exploration activities take place.

Observers believe this is an action by Indonesia to reject China's "nine-dash line" claim, which encompasses almost the entire South China Sea.

Indonesia asserts that it is not a party to the South China Sea dispute, but it also has conflicts over fishing rights with China around the archipelago.Natuna.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said he was unaware of Indonesia renaming the area in the South China Sea, but said the renaming was "completely meaningless."

Natuna Islands. Graphic: Developmentadvisor

According to VNE