President: stability in South China Sea important
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Jakarta (ANTARA News) – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Friday stability in the South China Sea is important and asked all concerned parties to contribute to maintaining it.
“We all in Asia want to see our region stable, safe and peaceful. In the event of a problem, be it in the South China Sea, East Asia or elsewhere in Asia, there must be a peaceful solution without involving military strength,” he told a press conference at the Merdeka Palace here after bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The President said it is the obligation of all interested parties to maintain the stability by making non-military approaches.
“It is the obligation of all of us. If all think of how to solve the problem we need not worry about an open conflict in the Asian region. If the region is stable we will benefit from it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abe asked China to respect the international laws and norms related to the code of conduct in the South China Sea.
Japan is not a claimant to the South China Sea. However, it has been concerned about China`s actions over its disputes with countries bordering the sea, given the importance of the area`s vital shipping lanes to its economy
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