The Indonesian navy shot at Chinese fishing boats on Friday near the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. One fisherman was injured and one boat was damaged, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. Another boat and seven people aboard it were detained by the Indonesian crew, she added.
According to the Indonesian side, the navy vessel fired warning shots at foreign boats it said were fishing illegally near the islands, but this did not result in any injuries.
When Hua spoke on Saturday, she accused Jakarta of endangering the lives of Chinese fishermen in a disputed area. She said that China deployed coast guard vessels following the incident and lodged "strong protest against and solemn representations" with Indonesia "through diplomatic channels," according to the official English translation of her remarks.
China clarified earlier this year that it makes no sovereignty claims over the Natuna Islands, which are located at the southern end of the South China Sea. However, as the area north of the islands falls within the so-called "nine-dash line" that demarcates the area China does claim, the two countries dispute the maritime rights regarding this region.
Referring to the waters where the incident took place as "Chinese fishermen's traditional fishing grounds," Hua said the actions of the Indonesian naval vessel were a "willful resort to force" that violated international laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. "China strongly protests and condemns the abuse of force," Hua said. "China urges the Indonesian side to stop taking actions that complicate, exaggerate the dispute and undermine peace and stability, and handle the fishery issue at sea in a constructive way."
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