Indonesia and China Agree to Strengthen Defense and Economic Cooperation During Jakarta Ministerial Meetings
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Jakarta on Friday to deepen bilateral ties. The two nations agreed to enhance cooperation in food, energy, and mineral security while modernizing their industries through advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and communications satellites. Defense ministers Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Dong Jun also met separately to intensify military ties. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin highlighted a plan to establish a joint munitions factory in Indonesia starting in 2027, which will include technology transfers from China to produce missiles and rockets. The two countries also aim to increase joint military exercises and improve strategic communication. China remains a primary trading partner for Indonesia, with economic ties reaching approximately $167 billion in 2025. The administration of the two nations seeks to foster solidarity among developing countries and maintain regional stability, particularly in the South China Sea, by prioritizing dialogue and consultation.
Sources
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China, Indonesia agree to boost military ties, work closer on minerals, energy and tech
Reuters
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Indonesia and China discuss increasing defense cooperation and energy security
AP News
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Indonesia seeks expanded joint military exercises with China
Nikkei Asia
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Will other Southeast Asian countries copy Indonesia’s joint China drill?
South China Morning Post
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Second Ministerial Meeting of China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue held in Jakarta
Xinhua