Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi addresses the East Sea issue at a press conference on May 6, 2020.

At an online press briefing, she told foreign reporters: “Indonesia continues to follow closely recent developments in the South China Sea. Indonesia expresses its concern on recent activities in the South China Sea which may potentially escalate tension at a time where global collective effort is vital in fighting COVID-19. Thus, Indonesia underlines the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, ensures the freedom of navigation and overflight, and urges all parties to respect international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.”

China is stepping up its baseless territorial claims and infringement of other nation’s sovereignty in the East Sea while the world is distracted by the coronavirus crisis.