"The Indonesia Military has taken a neutral stance. We are not supporting any party disputing over the waters," Commander of Indonesia Military General Moeldoko said.
Beijing (ANTARA News) - Indonesia hopes that China will be patient over the South China Sea issue to maintain stability, peace and mutual welfare in the region.

"I am sure Chinas principle is to maintain mutual harmony. While Indonesia, particularly the Indonesian Military, believes that China can be more patient in resolving the South China Sea issue," the Commander of Indonesia Military General Moeldoko stated here, on Wednesday.

The TNI Commander who held the meeting with Military Center Commission Deputy Chairman, General Fang Changlong, has stated that Indonesia has a neutral stance relating to the South China Sea issue.

Moeldoko added that the Indonesian Military keeps monitoring the development in the South China Sea issue.

"The Indonesia Military has taken a neutral stance. We are not supporting any party disputing over the waters," Moeldoko pointed out.

Moeldoko explained that the Indonesia Military appreciates Chinas stance to maintain harmony in the region by solving the problem through a peaceful dialog.

The Indonesian Military, Moeldoko added, urged all parties disputing the area to prioritize cooperation in South China Sea than to trigger conflict that will disturb the stability, security and peace in the region.

General Fang of Chinas Military Commission added that the country will oppose any international interference on the South China Sea issue.

"The international and third party interference will only worsen the condition. We have agreed to prioritize the bilateral dialog with the country related to the dispute over South China Sea," Fang retorted.

China, pointed out Fang, really hoped that the ASEAN countries involved in the South China Sea dispute, will solve the issue by referring to the Declaration of Conduct that have been agreed upon previously.

General Fang added that China also hopes that the role of Indonesia will be a support in solving the South China Sea problem.

"Indonesia is the biggest country and has a strong influence in ASEAN. We hope the Indonesia will play an important role in resolving the issue peacefully," Fang explained.

China and Indonesia have potential cooperation in South China Sea and both countries together secure the area, resulting in benefits to the welfare in region.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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