Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the joint statement signed during President Prabowo Subianto's recent visit to Beijing does not endorse China's claims in the South China Sea (SCS).

In a statement issued on Monday (11/11/2024)), the Ministry stressed that the cooperation outlined in the joint declaration would be carried out in line with international maritime conventions, bilateral agreements, and national laws. 

"This cooperation should not be interpreted as recognizing the 'nine-dash line.' Indonesia firmly asserts that this claim has no legal basis under international law and contradicts the 1982 UNCLOS," the Ministry said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The statement focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as fisheries and marine conservation, with an emphasis on mutual respect and equality. It also aimed to promote peace and stability in the region. 

"We hope this cooperation serves as a model for maintaining peace and friendship in the region," the Ministry added.

The agreement, reached on 9 November 2024  between President Prabowo and President Xi Jinping, also covers broader areas like maritime development, defense, and security cooperation.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)