Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed his optimism on Sino-Indonesian ties. (Photo : REUTERS)
Indonesian President Joko Widodo declared his country will remain the honest broker in the dispute of South China Seain an interview with the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri. He debated over China's major water claim that it had no legal reason thus it was not justified.
This interview marks the starting of another huge rivalry between the two countries. Since October after coming to power this is the first time the Indonesian leader has taken a major step against any country.
The Asian power China has claimed almost 90 percent of the South China Sea which is considered to be an oil bank with huge reserves. Several Asian countries like Brunei, Malaysia and other countries neighboring coastal countries have claimed their parts in the sea route.
According to International Business Times, Widodo said, "The 'nine dashed line' that China asserts has no basis in international law.''
Rizal Sukma, Indonesian foreign policy adviser stated that the claim was only for China's nine dash line. The unusual thing about his response was that he didn't refer to the overall claim of China which is far more than other countries.
"We need peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. It is important to have a political and security stability to build up our economic growth. So we support the Code of Conduct and also dialogue between China and Japan,'' Widodo said.
Reuters reported that for his first visit, Widodo will meet defense ministers of both countries. This meeting is seen as an effort by both countries to establish better ties with Asian countries. Japan is also involved in the disputes with China for uninhabited Islands.
