Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

China continues to advocate for setting aside disputes and pursuing joint development to achieve mutual benefits, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Monday, addressing a question about joint maritime development between China and Indonesia in “waters with overlapping claims.”

During a press briefing on Monday, Lin was asked to comment on the joint statement signed between China and Indonesia on advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership and the China-Indonesia community with a shared future, in which the two sides reached important common understanding on joint development in areas of overlapping claims and agreed to establish an Inter-Governmental Joint Steering Committee to explore and advance relevant cooperation. 

In response, Lin said that China has consistently advocated for setting aside disputes and pursuing joint development, aiming to work with neighboring maritime countries to manage disputes, promote cooperation, ensure stability, and achieve win-win. 

China is willing to work together with Indonesia to implement the leaders' consensus, aiming for cooperative benefits to reach both nations and their people swiftly, Lin said. 

Meanwhile, China is willing to actively explore maritime cooperation, including joint development, with other neighboring maritime countries, Lin added. 

Regarding the specific contents of the joint statement, Lin said that the joint statement clarifies the political consensus and direction for joint development in regard to conducting joint development and cooperation in waters of overlapping claims by the two countries. The two countries will further explore specific issues like cooperation content and methods, Lin added. 

Global Times