China claims Natuna Islands belong to Indonesia

China said yesterday it has no objection to Indonesia's sovereignty over the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea, after Jakarta said it might sue the country 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 Chinese Foreign Ministry's website, spokesman Hong Lei said yesterday that Indonesia has no claim to sovereignty over Vietnam's Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls Nansha. "The Chinese side has no objection to Indonesia's claim to sovereignty over the Natuna Islands," he said.

Mr. Hong made the statement after being asked about information that Indonesia could take China to international court if the dispute around the Natuna Islands could not be resolved through dialogue.

The Chinese spokesperson reiterated China's stance on resolving disputes in the South China Sea through dialogue with directly related countries. "The China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership is making steady and vigorous progress. We hope to work together with Indonesia to continue promoting bilateral relations," Hong said.

Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. Graphic: Developmentadvisor

Luhut Panjaitan, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, previously said Jakarta could take Beijing to court over the island dispute. Jakarta also asked Beijing to clarify its "nine-dash line" in the South China Sea, a claim that China has made that covers most of the area, stretching into the central waters of Southeast Asia, including the Natuna Islands, which are currently controlled by Indonesia.

According to VNE