REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BEIJING - Indonesia hopes that China will be patient over the South China Sea issue to maintain stability, peace and mutual welfare in the region. While China emphasized its objection to any international interference.

"I am sure China's principle is to maintain mutual harmony. While Indonesia, particularly the Indonesian Military, believes that China can be more patient in resolving the South China Sea issue," the Commander of Indonesia Military General Moeldoko stated during his visit on Wednesday.

The TNI Commander who held the meeting with Military Center Commission Deputy Chairman, General Fang Changlong, stated that Indonesia took a neutral stance relating to the South China Sea issue. Moeldoko added that the Indonesian Military kept monitoring the development in the South China Sea issue.

The Indonesian Military, Moeldoko added, urged all parties disputing the area to prioritize cooperation in South China Sea than to trigger conflict that will disturb the stability, security and peace in the region.

Meanwhile, General Fang of Chinas Military Commission said that China would oppose any international interference on the South China Sea issue.

"The international and third party interference will only worsen the condition. We have agreed to prioritize the bilateral dialog with the country related to the dispute over South China Sea," Fang retorted.

China, pointed out Fang, really hoped that the ASEAN countries involved in the South China Sea dispute, would solve the issue by referring to the Declaration of Conduct that have been agreed upon previously. The general added that China also hoped that the role of Indonesia would be a support in solving the South China Sea problem.

"Indonesia is the biggest country and has a strong influence in ASEAN. We hope the Indonesia will play an important role in resolving the issue peacefully," Fang explained.

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