China claims the Natuna Islands belong to Indonesia.

China declared yesterday that it does not object to Indonesia's sovereignty over the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea, after Jakarta announced it might sue China in an international court.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei. Photo: fmprc.gov.cn

According to a transcript of the press conference posted on the website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesman Hong Lei said yesterday that Indonesia has no territorial claims to Vietnam's Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls Nansha. "China does not object to Indonesia's territorial claims to the Natuna Islands," he said.

Mr. Hong made this statement after being asked about reports that Indonesia might take China to an international court if the dispute over the Natuna Islands could not be resolved through dialogue.

A Chinese spokesperson reiterated the position that disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved through dialogue with the directly involved countries. "The China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership is making steady and strong progress. We hope to work together with Indonesia to further promote bilateral relations," Hong said.

The Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. Graphic: Developmentadvisor

Luhut Panjaitan, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, previously stated that Jakarta could sue Beijing in court over the island dispute. Jakarta also urged Beijing to clarify its absurd "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea, a claim made by China that encompasses almost the entire region, extending to the central waters of Southeast Asia and including the Natuna Islands, currently controlled by Indonesia.

According to VNE