When asked about the South China Sea problem, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto responded that he would “always guard our independence,” adding that partnerships are preferable to conflicts and that” we regard all power.”
Prabowo’s comments, made on Wednesday ( Nov 13 ), came after his foreign ministry had stated that despite signing a maritime agreement with Beijing last weekend, Indonesia does not recognize China’s claims to the South China Sea.
Beijing and Southeast Asian countries have long clashed over the South China Sea, which it almost entirely claims is based on a “nine-dash line” on its maps that divides several nations ‘ exclusive economic zones ( EEZ ).
” We regard all power, but we will always prevent our independence. But I choose to constantly find opportunities of a relationship”, said Prabowo, who has repeatedly said he will do a non-aligned international policy.
” Partnerships are better than wars”, he told reporters.