Indonesia-China Defence Cooperation
Indonesia and China agreed to deepen defence cooperation on Friday as their defence ministers met in Jakarta during a new round of high-level strategic talks.
“This cooperation will not only cover defence equipment but also focus on improving the capabilities of our personnel. We will increase joint military exercises, expand military education and training, and increase exchanges of TNI personnel,” Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated.
Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun said bilateral military cooperation had reached a ‘new level’, arguing that closer ties could strengthen both countries’ defence capabilities and support regional stability.
“Improving quality and efficiency will vigorously enhance the capability to defend the core national interests of both countries, resolutely thwart foreign forces’ interference and actions undermining national sovereignty, and open up a new world of defence cooperation for Global South countries,” he stated.
Military Ties Expand
The pledge comes about a week after the Indonesian and Chinese navies carried out a passing exercise (PASSEX) in waters east of Taiwan, with Jakarta describing the activity as routine maritime diplomacy. The drill followed a Chinese naval visit to Surabaya earlier in August.
The defence talks took place alongside a wider series of Indonesia-China meetings in Jakarta. Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi were also due to chair the inaugural Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue on Friday, before the two countries’ foreign and defence ministers were scheduled to hold their second 2+2 ministerial dialogue later the same day.
Regional Partnership Grows
Beijing and Jakarta established a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2013 and marked 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Cooperation has expanded across politics, trade, maritime affairs and security, with both governments increasingly presenting the relationship as an example of stronger South-South cooperation and a greater role for the Global South.
Article by Viory
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