Jokowi Calls for Finalization of Negotiations on South China Sea Code of Conduct

Sheany
November 14, 2017 | 12:10 pm
SHARE
President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China to speed up and finalize negotiations on a code of conduct on the South China Sea. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office Press Bureau)
President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China to speed up and finalize negotiations on a code of conduct on the South China Sea. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Office Press Bureau)

Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China to speed up and finalize negotiations on a code of conduct on the South China Sea.

Asean leaders commenced official talks with China on the code of conduct during the 20th Asean-China Summit in Manila on Monday (13/11).

"All of us want the South China Sea to be a stable, peaceful area that not only supports economic activity but brings the region – and the world – closer together," Jokowi said, as quoted in a statement issued by the presidential office press bureau.

He said wrapping up negotiations on the code will prove Asean and China's commitment to resolve overlapping claims in the disputed waters.

Advertisement

China claims nearly all of South China Sea, while Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines also claim parts of the strategic waters.

The foreign ministers of Asean member states and China adopted a framework for the code of conduct on maritime disputes in August, though it remains to be seen whether the final product would be legally binding.

Asean-China Trade

Jokowi also emphasized mutually beneficial economic cooperation during Monday's meeting, and touched on Asean's current trade deficit and the importance of reducing trade barriers.

"Trade must be mutually beneficial and must be increased from last year's $368 billion," he said.

The president further pointed to the importance of synergy for cooperation on infrastructure and connectivity, especially in regards to China's Belt and Road initiative and Asean's connectivity master plan.

"I am sure that good relations between Asean and China can only be further strengthened and will bring benefits to both," Jokowi said.

Anticorruption Cooperation

In a joint statement, Asean and China agreed to "intensify cooperation and assistance to combat corruption," as part of efforts to enhance regional cooperation under the Asean-China Strategic Partnership.

Asean member states and China will seek to enhance cooperation in law enforcement, financial intelligence and capacity building for effective prevention and detection of corruption.

Furthermore, they also aim to "promote the sharing of experiences, best practices and exchange of views" to strengthen anticorruption efforts and the implementation of domestic laws and regulations to combat and prevent corruption.

Asean and China also highlighted the role of witnesses in identifying and prosecuting corruptors and said they would develop "an effective protection system for witnesses in corruption cases, where appropriate."

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

The Latest


Business 5 hours ago

Fact Check: Trump’s $2 Billion Tariff Claim Doesn’t Add Up

Trump claims tariffs bring in $2b a day, but federal data shows revenue is far lower. Economists say his math ignores basic trade effects
News 7 hours ago

UK Backs Indonesia’s Clean Energy Push with Support for Lombok Micro-Hydro Plant

The UK supports Indonesia’s clean energy drive with a new micro-hydro plant in Lombok, boosting local power and climate cooperation.
News 8 hours ago

Garuda to Carry 90,933, Lion Air 11,791 Pilgrims for 2025 Hajj

Garuda, Lion Air, and Saudia will fly over 200,000 Indonesian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj.
Lifestyle 10 hours ago

Buddhist Thudong Pilgrimage Draws Thousands in Si Mian Fo Temple in Jakarta

10,000 Buddhists welcomed Bhante Thudong in Jakarta as part of a 2,500km journey to Borobudur, ahead of the sacred Vesak celebration.
Tech 10 hours ago

Kearney: Indonesia Has Strong AI Potential but Needs More Education

Asia Pacific firms eye AI-driven growth, but most still in early adoption.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED