Prabowo shares peaceful strategies for South China Sea in Turkiye

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that his administration prioritizes peaceful, diplomatic measures to address recurring tensions and disputes between China and ASEAN countries in the South China Sea.

Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Türkiye, Antalya City on Friday (April 11), President Prabowo highlighted his soft approach in dialogues with Chinese President Xi Jinping, aiming to reach a compromise over China’s claim on Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Natuna waters, Riau Islands Province.

"China claimed its fishermen have roamed the region for thousands of years, and Indonesia made a similar claim. Therefore, I asked President Xi, ‘Why don’t we pursue co-development in the region?’" he told the audience.

Prabowo then mentioned having invited his Chinese counterpart to collaborate on developing and implementing mutually beneficial and internationally lawful agreements and rules in the disputed waters.

"President Xi instantly approved of this suggestion," he added.

He also highlighted Indonesia’s diplomatic progress with fellow ASEAN member states, particularly the resolution of overlapping EEZ claims with Vietnam, which is an issue that remained unresolved for decades until an agreement was reached several months ago.

"I have also reached out to my best friend, Malaysian Prime Minister (Anwar Ibrahim), to resolve ongoing issues between Indonesia and Malaysia," he remarked.

The Indonesian head of state further noted that most of the lingering conflicts in the South China Sea are essentially remnants of colonial-era interference in Southeast Asia.

"And now we must deal with the chaos colonial powers left behind," he stressed.

The president then reiterated his commitment to peaceful solutions, urging nations to work together towards shared prosperity and progress.

"I believe that all nations want prosperity, a goal that requires peace," he affirmed.