Did Indonesia Just Capitulate to China on the South China Sea? – The Diplomat

Indonesia clarified that it does not recognize China’s maximalist claims over the South China Sea despite signing a maritime development deal with Beijing acknowledging the “nine-dash line” claim. The joint statement with China on joint development in overlapping claim areas raised concerns among South China Sea claimants and observers, with Indonesia traditionally rejecting such claims and asserting sovereignty over the Natuna Islands EEZ. The move, seen as a historic victory for Beijing, sparked criticism that Indonesia had betrayed its national interest, although the Foreign Ministry maintained that the agreement would not impact its sovereignty in the North Natuna Sea.

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