Indonesia and China discuss increasing defense cooperation and energy security
Indonesia and China have agreed to deepen defense and security cooperation, including joint military exercises and the development of a munitions factory. The meetings underscore Indonesia's attempt to balance its non-aligned foreign policy while strengthening economic and technological ties with China.
Why it matters
The deepening military and economic partnership between Indonesia and China signals a shift in regional power dynamics in Southeast Asia.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Top ministers for Indonesia and China agreed during meetings in Jakarta on Friday to increase their defense cooperation and strengthen food and energy security.
The meetings come as Jakarta deepens military ties with China while trying to maintain its long-standing non-aligned foreign policy and balance relations with other major powers.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Indonesia and China agreed to better coordinate on their top development and security priorities as the two countries modernize.
Wang said the dialogue will “send a clear signal to the world of solidarity and cooperation between our two major emerging-market countries.”
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said the two sides discussed strengthening food, energy and mineral security through the development of industries that support national resilience, which in the future will encompass areas such as artificial intelligence, the joint development of communications satellites and other advanced technology initiatives.
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