China responds on Indonesia's plan to bring maritime dispute to international court

The Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry today responded to statement made by the Indonesian side that it will bring China’s nine-dash line claim to international court if a solution will not be reached through bilateral negotiations. “We would like a peaceful solution by promoting dialogue. The nine-dash line is a problem we are facing, but not only us. It also directly [affects] the interests of Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and the Philippines,” said Indonesia’s security chief Luhut Panjaitan as quoted by Reuters.

“We would like to see a solution on this in the near future through dialogue, or we could bring it to the International Criminal Court,” the Indonesian official said. He may be referring to Permanent Court of Arbitration where Philippines brought case against China.

However, Chinese Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said today that Indonesia is not a claimant in Spratly Islands.

“The Chinese side has no objection to Indonesia’s sovereignty over the Natuna islands,” Hong Lei added.

“China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership is making steady and sound progress. We hope to make joint efforts with the Indonesian side to keep advancing the bilateral relationship,” the Chinese spokesperson noted.

He added that China stays committed to peacefully resolving disputes through negotiations and consultations with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts and international law.