Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the Special ASEAN-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in China on Monday, Minister Retno Marsudi said that the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue will test the partnership between ASEAN and China.

She said Indonesia is ready to host a meeting to discuss the COC in the near future, adding that Indonesia urges all parties to comply with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), including exercising restraint.

The developing dynamics of global geopolitics require each country to promote dialogue to resolve differences and disputes, Minister Retno said. She stressed the need to build strategic trust, and to avoid behaviour that would further reduce mutual trust.