South China Sea Controversy: Indonesia To Deploy F-16 Fighter Jets To Natuna Islands
Source: International Business Times
Indonesia will deploy F-16 fighter jets to Natuna islands in the South China Sea amid growing tension in the contested region, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu told Bloomberg Thursday. The measure is part of a military expansion on the islands that will have a renovated runway and a new port, Ryacudu added.
The move comes within two weeks of Chinese coast guard's clash with Indonesian authorities over Beijing’s fishing boats seized by Jakarta. The coast guard had rammed the boats to force it free from the Indonesian authorities leading to heated confrontation between the two countries.
According to Ryacudu, the Indonesian military will, or has already, deployed marines, air force special force units, an army battalion, three frigates, a new radar system and drones, at the Natuna islands, Bloomberg reported.
“Natuna is a door, if the door is not guarded then thieves will come inside,” Ryacudu said. “There has been all this fuss because until now it has not been guarded. This is about the respect of the country.”
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Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/south-china-sea-controversy-indonesia-deploy-f-16-fighter-jets-natuna-islands-2346657
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Until the last fish is gone.
and the islands are close enough to mainland Chinese airfields and naval facilities to deploy attack aircraft, air cover and submarines.
and this...
and China wouldn't be allowed to just set up camp in a territory that doesn't belong to them-- Which just so happens to be an area with lucrative shipping routes and fishing waters....
