[International] China-Indonesia Foreign and Defense Ministers Hold "2+2" Talks, Focusing on Security, Political, and Economic Issues

Chinese and Indonesian Foreign and Defense Ministers held talks today (21st), with both sides expected to focus on security, political, and economic issues. Indonesia is currently trying to maintain a balanced relationship with both China and the United States amidst escalating trade conflicts and tensions in the South China Sea. This visit to Jakarta by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is his first to Indonesia in two years. He will meet with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and hold "2+2" talks with the defense ministers of both countries. Arifianto Sofiyanto, an official from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for East Asian affairs, stated at a press conference yesterday that the foreign ministers' talks would focus on economic issues and bilateral political relations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said this week that the talks would discuss "political and security issues, defense cooperation, and the international and regional situation." The navies of China and Indonesia conducted a rare joint exercise in the waters east of Taiwan last week, drawing attention. The Indonesian Navy stated that the vessels involved were conducting routine exercises and had conducted similar drills not only with China but also with Japan and the United States in the past. Indonesian defense expert Curie Maharani pointed out that while Indonesia views the exercise as routine, its location allows China to convey a different political message. She said, "Indonesia has learned a valuable lesson from this, which is how major powers use defense diplomacy as a tool to expand their influence." Indonesia and China also have differences regarding the South China Sea. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited China in 2024, his first overseas trip after taking office. At that time, the two countries signed a maritime development agreement, with both sides expressing consensus on "joint development in areas of overlapping claims." This wording sparked controversy, with analysts suggesting it might represent a shift in Indonesia's long-standing position of not being a claimant state in the South China Sea disputes. However, Indonesia subsequently reiterated that it does not recognize China's claims. Maharani stated, "Indonesia does not wish to escalate the situation and prefers to engage with China through defense diplomacy." She noted that exchanges and cooperation between China and Indonesia have increased significantly over the past five years, but still pale in comparison to defense cooperation between Indonesia and the United States or Australia. Prabowo has repeatedly stated that Indonesia maintains a "free and active" non-aligned foreign policy and is committed to friendly relations with all countries, including China and the United States. China is a significant investor in Indonesia. According to Indonesian government data, China's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indonesia reached US$3.9 billion in the first half of 2026. However, regulations related to some of these investments have become a source of friction between the two sides. A letter seen by Reuters indicated that the China-Indonesia Chamber of Commerce alleged that Chinese enterprises face "excessively strict regulations and enforcement" and accused authorities of involvement in corruption and extortion. Major Chinese investing companies include CATL, the world's largest electric vehicle battery manufacturer, and steel enterprise Tsingshan Holding Group. These companies have built smelters in Indonesia, which possesses the world's largest nickel ore reserves. (Editor: Liu Xianghua)