Indonesian patrol ships drive away Chinese coast guard vessel in South China Sea
- In Reports
- 02:41 PM, Oct 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
Indonesian authorities reported on Thursday that their patrol ships have successfully driven away a Chinese coast guard vessel from a survey ship in the South China Sea for the second time in just four days. The incident occurred as tensions continue to rise over disputed territorial claims in the region.
The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency stated that the Chinese ship approached the MV Geo Coral, which was conducting a seismic data survey for the state energy company PT Pertamina. This survey is taking place in an area of the South China Sea that both Indonesia and China claim. According to the agency, the Chinese coast guard vessel interrupted the survey on two occasions.
China's claims in the South China Sea are outlined by its nine-dash line, which overlaps with a section of Indonesia's exclusive economic zone extending from the Natuna Islands. A 2016 international arbitration ruling involving the Philippines invalidated most of China's expansive claims in the sea; however, China has disregarded this ruling, calling it a sham.
On Monday, the Chinese coast guard ship CCG 5402 was spotted near the MV Geo Coral. An Indonesian patrol ship attempted to contact the Chinese vessel, whose crew maintained that the area was under China's jurisdiction. Following this, Indonesian coast guard and navy ships intervened and successfully drove the Chinese vessel away.
On Thursday morning, the Chinese ship returned to the seismic survey area and did not respond to communications from the Indonesian coast guard. Once again, Indonesian authorities took action and expelled the vessel from the area.
The Indonesian Maritime Security Agency stated that it would continue to carry out intensive patrols and monitoring in the North Natuna Sea to ensure that seismic survey activities proceed without interruption and to uphold Indonesia's sovereignty and rights.
Clashes at sea between China and its maritime rivals have become increasingly frequent in recent years, particularly affecting relations with the Philippines and Vietnam. Chinese vessels also routinely patrol off the island of Borneo and near James Shoal, an area that Malaysia claims as its own, despite China considering it part of its southernmost territorial claims.
China has previously justified its presence in these waters by citing traditional fishing rights. As tensions escalate, Indonesia is determined to protect its maritime interests and maintain control over its territorial waters.
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