Indonesia is stepping up sea and aerial patrols of islands near the disputed South China Sea, an official said Saturday, following a diplomatic spat over "trespassing" Chinese vessels. Military aircraft and three warships with some 600 navy, army, and air force personnel have been deployed to waters around the Natuna islands, which border the South China Sea. Indonesia has detained Chinese vessels in the fishing-rich waters in the past. "Territorial violations by foreign vessels in Indonesian exclusive economic zone... is a threat to Indonesian sovereignty," defence commander Vice Admiral Yudo Margono said in a statement.

Indonesia beefs up sea patrols amid China spat. (2020, January 5). Manila Standard, p. A4.