“Respecting international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), is key to peace and stability in the South China Sea. Indonesia holds a clear and consistent stance over the South China Sea issue. Indonesia’s position on the exclusive economic zone is also in accordance with UNCLOS and the July 2016 ruling by the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration. Indonesia emphasizes the important role of all nations in maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and calls on all countries to refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions in the region,” said Marsudi at an online press conference on Thursday.

She has repeatedly voiced Indonesia’s stance on avoiding actions that could increase tensions in the South China Sea, especially as nations worldwide are battling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier, Indonesia expressed concerns over mounting tensions after the US declared China’s territorial claims to waters, including Indonesia’s Natuna sea, are illegal. The Spokesman for Indonesia's Foreign Ministry, Teuku Faizasyah, said any support for Indonesian rights in Natuna waters is normal and in accordance with international law. 

Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishamuddin Hussein

The same day, Malaysian Foreign Minister Hishamuddin Hussein affirmed Malaysia’s position that parties should work together to ensure peace, security and stability in the South China Sea. Malaysia looks forward to continuing discussions for an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that will reflect the rights and interests of all parties, he said. He added that Malaysia’s diplomatic efforts have forced Chinese survey vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 and its escorts to leave West Capella last May.

India has responded to the US statement that rejects China's claims to waters in the South China Sea. Foreign ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said at a weekly media briefing that India firmly stands for the freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce in these international waterways, in accordance with international law, notably the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.