Indonesia president visits islands on warship, makes point to China

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Indonesia president visits islands on warship, makes point to China
Kanupriya Kapoor, Fergus Jensen

WORLD NEWSJUNE 22, 2016 / 8:28 PM / 2 YEARS AGO

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southchinasea-indonesia-idUSKCN0Z909D

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia’s president held a cabinet meeting aboard a warship off the Natuna Islands on Thursday, asserting sovereignty over waters in the southern reaches of the South China Sea after Beijing stated its “over-lapping claim” on nearby waters.

President Joko Widodo’s visit to the remote island chain along with his chief security minister, foreign minister, and military chief was described by Indonesian officials as the strongest message that has been given to China over the issue.

During the cabinet meeting onboard the Indonesian navy corvette, Widodo called on the military to step up patrols in the wake of a series of face-offs between Indonesian and Chinese vessels in area.


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Indonesian President Joko Widodo stands on the deck of the Indonesian Navy ship KRI Imam Bonjol after chairing a limited cabinet meeting in the waters of Natuna Islands, Riau Islands province, Indonesia June 23, 2016 in this photo provided by Antara Foto. Antara Foto/Setpres - Krishadiyanto/ via REUTERS