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 claimsthere.

Illustrative image - Source: Reuters

Following revelations of a wave of illicit activities byChinese coastguard and fishing vessels in Natuna waters last week, Indonesiasummoned Chinese Ambassador to the country Xiao Qian tolodge a formal protest.

The Foreign Ministry said Indonesia would never recognizeChina's “Nine-dash Line” – the geographic expression of China's sweeping claimover the East Sea – because it was contrary to international law.

Indonesia on January 1 responded by firmly rejecting theasserted historical claims. The ministry said they were "unilateral, haveno legal basis and have never been recognised by the 1982 UNCLOS [UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea],” Jakarta Post reported.

According to the newspaper, the Indonesian Maritime SecurityAgency (Bakamla) recorded that between December 19-24, at least 63 Chinesefishing and coast guard vessels had entered Natuna waters.

Source: VNA