China has dispatched armed coastguard vessels to accompany fishing trawlers into disputed waters around a strategic island chain claimed by Indonesia, which has responded by sending warships to the area.
Although the naval vessels and fighter jets deployed by Jakarta to the Natuna islands initially appeared to have repulsed the incursion, several Chinese boats have subsequently been spotted encroaching again.
China’s sweeping territorial claims in South China Sea overlap with Indonesia’s near the Natunas. Beijing’s assertive approach is backed by growing military and naval heft as well as massive financial muscle.