Indonesian President Joko Widodo claimed that China has no legal basis in the international law over its claims over large areas in South China Sea.

This was the first time that President Widodo made a stand on the seemingly most protracted territorial dispute in Asia. In a statement, he said the "nine-dash line" that China claims marks its sea territory is not based on any international law.

Like Us on Facebook

"We need peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region. It is important to have political and security stability to build up our economic growth..." said Widodo. "So, we support the Code of Conduct and also dialogue between China and Japan, and China and ASEAN."

President Widodo's Foreign Policy Adviser Rizal Sukma, however, was quick to point out that the Indonesian President was only citing the nine-dashed line and not China's overall claim of the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry downplayed Indonesia's statements by citing China's sovereignty in accordance to the standard line.

"The core of the South China Sea dispute is because of some countries' illegal occupation of several islands in the South China Sea. Their adjacent waters has caused overlapping maritime claims," said China's spokesperson Hong Lei.

Some experts cited that the unresolved territorial dispute in South China Sea might lead to deepening conflicts among countries that aggressively post their claims.

China claims that 90 percent of areas in South China Sea belong to them. Other neighboring countries Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan also fight for their parts in the territory.

Accordingly, China covered its claims in reference to the nine-dashed line which reflects that out of 3.5-million square kilometers South China Sea, 90 percent of it belongs to them.

It is believed that the South China Sea is rich with gas and oil. Around US$5 trillion is also being generated every year among ship trades that pass by the South China Sea.

TagsIndonesia, territory dispute, Asia