"With regard to the South China Sea, I think China will not initiate conflict, because if it does, then it will face problems, because 60 percent of its trade passes through the South China Sea," Kalla said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesias vice president Jusuf Kalla has said that China would face problems if it continued to oppose the ASEAN code of conduct in the South China Sea.

"With regard to the South China Sea, I think China will not initiate conflict, because if it does, then it will face problems, because 60 percent of its trade passes through the South China Sea," he said at his office here, Tuesday.

He was speaking about Indonesias role in developing the ASEAN unity, in connection with the 50th anniversary of the regional organization that falls on August 8.

"Differences do happen, but we share similar views on other issues, such as terrorism and economic development. It is only regarding the South China Sea that our views differed in the meeting yesterday. Our views are different; this might happen because of the influences from countries outside the region," he noted.

Indonesias foreign minister Retno Marsudi attended the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Manila, the Philippines, from August 4-8.

Kalla called on the Indonesian delegation to not hesitate in insisting on a consensus among the ASEAN member countries over the South China Sea code of conduct, so as to preserve security, stability and peace in the region.

Although Indonesia is not one of the claimants in the South China Sea, it has an interest in ensuring the regional stability, because if conflict happens, then all the ASEAN countries will be affected, he observed.

"Indonesia is a big country. However, under the ASEAN system, all member countries are equal, no matter how small or big they are. We must regard the issue objectively but not hesitate too much," he remarked.

Indonesias territory borders the South China Sea in Natuna, which is rich in natural resources, and so, the implementation of the code of conduct in South China Sea would ensure more stability in the regions around it.

"We share a border in Natuna, which is rich in natural resources. In view of that, we have to also reinforce our defense there," he mentioned. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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