Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian government has called on all parties to respect international laws, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, with regard to recent international arbitration courts ruling over South China Sea dispute.

The call by the countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs came following the ruling of the UN arbitration court tribunal in The Hague in the matter of a dispute between the Philippines and China over overlapping claims connected to the South China Sea.

The Indonesian government again called on all parties to exercise restraint and not do anything that would increase tension in the region.

It also called on all parties to maintain conducive situation in Southeast Asia by avoiding military activities that could threaten stability and peace.

Indonesia has also called on all parties, especially those involved in disputes in the South China Sea, namely, China, the Philippines, Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam, to respect international laws including UNCLOS 1982.

Indonesia has called on all parties to also continue their joint commitment to uphold peace and show a spirit of friendship and cooperation as has been developed and maintained well so far.

"All parties involved in South China Sea matter must act according to the principles agreed upon jointly," it said.

Indonesia will continue pushing for the creation of a peaceful, free and neutral zone in Southeast Asian region in the framework of efforts aimed at strengthening ASEAN security and political community.

Indonesia also urged all claimant states to continue peaceful negotiations to resolve all disputes in line with international laws.

China, which has claimed almost all areas in the South China Sea, has rejected the ruling and refused to participate in arbitration proceedings.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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