Indonesia, for the third time this week, expelled a Chinese fishing vessel from its territorial waters in the South China Sea. This happened after China recently increased its presence in the region. The incident occurred at a time when both states are trying to regulate their sovereignty over waters rich in marine resources.
An official representative of the Indonesian Ministry of Maritime Affairs confirmed that the Chinese vessel, which was spotted near Rubini Island, close to several uninhabited islands east of Tjibara Island, was directed back to the waters designated by it.
An anonymous source in government circles of Indonesia reported that this incident is not the first time, and the atmosphere of tension remains between the two countries. "Indonesia will not remain silent when its sovereignty is violated," he emphasized.
Indonesia does not recognize China's claims over more than 90% of the South China Sea and had previously rejected attempts by Chinese vessels to enter its economic zone. In turn, China asserts that its actions are legal and correspond to its interests in the region.
