House Vice Speaker for Politics and Security M. Azis Syamsuddin called on China and India - two countries with huge military might - to exercise restraint over current situation on border near Pangong Lake, after some media reports that there has been an escalation of military activities following the skirmish between the two sides.

“I hope China and India can restrain themselves, pursue dialogue to resolve their different interpretations, especially when the world is now fighting against an invisible enemy, that is COVID-19,” he said at the parliament building in Jakarta, Thursday (28/5/2020). 

The Golkar Party politician considered that India and China had vital roles in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, with their essential roles in world economy. He believed the two sides would set aside their differences and prioritize the more urgent matter nowadays, that is humanitarian crisis. 

“Indonesia and ASEAN uphold the principle that any conflict should be resolved through peaceful mechanism and dialogue to maintain trust and stability in Indo-Pacific region. Both India and China are ASEAN’s strategic partners,” said former Chair of Commission III (law, human rights and security) of the Indonesian House. 

He stated that Indonesia which is currently as a member of Security Council would deeply regret if its two good friends, India and China, started an unnecessary war in this 21st century. Therefore, Syamsuddin urged the two sides to restrain themselves, adhere to the internationally agreed principles and hold dialogue in some institutional instruments, such as the UN.

“Only with good cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, we can work hand in hand as an international community to handle COVID-19 and return to “the Normal Life” by working together for global economic recovery. Tensions and wars will never bring any good,” said legislator from Lampung II constituency. (sf)