Less talk, more action | The Economist
More pressingly, China’s claims in the South China Sea overlap with waters claimed by Indonesia around the Natuna islands, off the northern coast of Borneo, which are rich in natural-gas deposits. Ms Retno insists the islands “belong to Indonesia. Done. If there is a competing claim, come talk to us.” She says Indonesia wants to develop the regional gasfields. China recognises Indonesian sovereignty over the Natunas themselves but claims the waters around them. Last September the Indonesian defence minister announced plans to upgrade the Natunas’ port and runway to accommodate warships and fighter jets.