US wants to cooperate with Indonesia 'in new ways' on South China Sea

This handout photograph taken and released on Oct 29, 2020 by the Indonesian Foreign Ministry shows US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo posing with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during their meeting in Jakarta. - AFP

JAKARTA (The Straits Times/ANN): US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday (Oct 29) rejected China’s “unlawful claims” in the South China Sea and pledged to cooperate with Indonesia “in new ways” to ensure maritime security in the area.

He praised Indonesia’s “decisive action” in safeguarding its maritime sovereignty in the waters surrounding Natuna Islands.