China-Indonesia Clash in North Natuna Sea?
By Nor Aini Binti Mohd Nordin
Maritime Security
Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security (MiDAS)
-4th November 2024-
The recent skirmishes between China and Indonesia in the North Natuna Sea, starting around October 16, 2024, highlight Beijing's growing assertiveness over disputed maritime territories in the South China Sea. Chinese vessels, including the destroyer Kunming 172 and China Coast Guard ships, have reportedly entered Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prompting Jakarta to respond with increased patrols. Indonesia’s reaction involves deploying naval assets like corvettes and drones to monitor and counter Chinese incursions. These incidents continue a pattern of Chinese coast guard and survey ships frequenting the Natuna waters, actions Indonesia regards as an infringement on its sovereign rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which grants EEZ rights to exploit resources exclusively.
China’s assertion, under its expansive “nine-dash line” claim, conflicts with internationally recognized maritime boundaries, which Indonesia supports. The friction raises two main concerns for Jakarta: one is the economic impact on fishing and energy activities in Natuna, a critical area for Indonesia's energy exploration, particularly in the Tuna gas block. Beijing has previously pressured Indonesia to halt drilling there, citing disputed sovereignty claims. However, Indonesia has consistently defended its sovereign rights, despite economic dependencies on China, which is its largest trade partner and a key investor through the Belt and Road Initiative.
This standoff also underscores the limitations of the stalled ASEAN-China Code of Conduct talks on the South China Sea, which Beijing has been accused of using to bide diplomatic time rather than genuinely resolve disputes. Indonesia’s response thus far has been cautious, balancing its economic ties with China against the necessity of asserting sovereignty, a stance shared by other Southeast Asian nations in similar disputes with China.
This episode, marked by incursions of Chinese vessels into Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and Indonesia's calibrated response, underscores critical patterns in regional maritime dynamics that Malaysia would do well to observe closely.
Strategic Insights for Malaysia
1. Maritime Security and Readiness
Indonesia’s prompt mobilization of maritime assets in response to Chinese intrusions highlights a critical need for robust, responsive maritime security. Malaysia should consider bolstering its surveillance, reconnaissance, and coast guard capabilities in contested areas of its EEZ. By increasing naval and aerial patrols and leveraging advanced tracking technologies, Malaysia can position itself to respond promptly to any unauthorized incursions.
2. ASEAN Cohesion and Multilateral Diplomatic Engagement
Indonesia’s restrained but assertive approach reflects the delicate balance many ASEAN nations must strike between enforcing their sovereignty and maintaining economic relations with China. Malaysia would benefit from promoting a more united ASEAN front on maritime issues, enhancing ASEAN’s credibility as a collective body in defence of international maritime norms. Through active ASEAN-led dialogue, Malaysia can help foster a consolidated regional stance on maritime sovereignty issues.
3. Legal Assertion and Codification of Maritime Rights
In recent years, Indonesia has taken notable steps to underscore its legal rights within its EEZ, including initiatives like renaming disputed waters and reinforcing domestic maritime laws to counter incursions. For Malaysia, formalizing its EEZ boundaries and reinforcing its maritime claims through international legal mechanisms could serve as both a proactive deterrent and a foundation for any necessary legal defence.
Recommended Actions for Malaysia
1. Strengthening Multilateral Defence and Security Cooperation
Malaysia should strengthen strategic defence and security partnerships through joint maritime exercises and intelligence-sharing with ASEAN member states. This regional cooperation could foster greater resilience and a united front in deterring potential aggressions while respecting diplomatic frameworks.
2. Proactive, Non-Provocative Presence
Taking a cue from Indonesia's approach, Malaysia could increase its maritime presence in contested areas through routine patrols, demonstrating a non-escalatory assertion of sovereignty. This balanced approach serves as a signal of Malaysia’s resolve without provoking direct confrontation.
3. Promoting ASEAN-Led Diplomatic Mechanisms
Malaysia could take a leading role in advocating for a robust ASEAN Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea that includes enforceable terms for conduct and crisis management. Securing a comprehensive CoC would mitigate the risk of confrontations and create an avenue for peaceful resolution, helping maintain regional stability.
This strategic, layered approach would not only secure Malaysia’s interests but also contribute to a stable and rule-based maritime order in Southeast Asia.