"We both see that the current situation in the South China Sea is getting worse and efforts are needed to create a more conducive condition. We may use forums such as the East ASEAN Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum to negotiate with related parties what can be done to improve the situation in the South China Sea," said Marty.
China and some ASEAN countries, namely the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia have been in a dispute with regard to their claim on some oil and gas rich islands in the South China Sea area including Spratly and Paracel.
Minister Marty said Indonesia as part of ASEAN is currently trying to encourage related parties to finalize the Code of Conduct (COC)on South China Sea area that would regulate the behavior of the conflicted countries in the area.
"Implementation of the COC will develop trust among the conflicting countries," said Marty.
Meanwhile, Minister Rudd said security in the South China Sea was important and therefore related parties must work together to create a more conducive situation there.
Earlier, AFP reported tensions in the strategic and resource-rich South China Sea have escalated in recent weeks, with the Philippines and Vietnam complaining about increasingly forceful Chinese actions there.
They include accusations of Chinese forces shooting at Philippine fishermen, shadowing oil exploration vessels employed by a Philippine firm, and putting up structures in areas claimed by the Philippines.
Vietnam voiced anger after a Chinese vessel in May cut the exploration cables of a Vietnamese survey ship.
(SYS/A051/S012)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
