Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa has expressed his deep and profound concern over the ongoing developments in the East Sea, especially relations between China and Vietnam.

In a press statement issued by the foreign ministry on May 16, Natalegawa said Indonesia is particularly concerned by the real risk of a major escalation and miscalculation posed by the dangerous manoeuvres by ships and naval vessels at sea which have caused injuries and material damage, as well as by the incidents of protests and violence which have led to casualties and material losses.

He called on both China and Vietnam to exert maximum restraint, respect commitments in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and avoid measures that may further heighten tensions.
Natalegawa confirmed that there is only one option, that is a peaceful settlement of disputes.

"The use of force, violations of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, has no place in our region today”, he added.

The minister said Indonesia has been in active contact with all sides, and will stay relentless in urging for communication and mutual restraint./.