Japan, Indonesia Bolster Maritime Security Against China's Assertiveness

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Japan, Indonesia Bolster Maritime Security Against China's Assertiveness

Japan and Indonesia Strengthen Maritime Security Cooperation

BOGOR, Indonesia - Japan and Indonesia have agreed to enhance their cooperation on maritime security, with a particular focus on China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

During a meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on January 11th, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced that Tokyo will provide a high-speed patrol boat to the Indonesian navy through the Official Security Assistance program. The two leaders also decided to hold a "two-plus-two" meeting of foreign and defense ministers by the end of the year, marking the first such meeting since March 2021.

Ishiba emphasized the importance of Indonesia as a "comprehensive and strategic partner" that shares fundamental values and principles with Japan. Prabowo reciprocated, calling Japan a "very important partner" for Indonesia and highlighting Ishiba's visit as a symbol of their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various fields.

Japan's move to deepen collaboration with Indonesia, a leading member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is seen as a counterbalance to China's maritime advances in the region. Tokyo also aims to serve as a bridge between ASEAN and the United States, addressing concerns in Southeast Asia about the America-first policy of the incoming Trump administration.

The leaders welcomed the agreement reached between their defense ministers on January 7th to initiate a bilateral meeting on maritime security between defense officials. They also confirmed their commitment to collaborate on defense equipment, technology cooperation, and personnel exchanges. One potential option is the joint development of a naval vessel based on a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer.

On the economic front, the leaders confirmed their cooperation on issues related to resources and infrastructure, with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint in the Asian region.

Indonesia, which advocates an omnidirectional foreign policy, maintains strong economic ties with China. The country formally joined BRICS, which comprises China, Russia, and other emerging economies, on January 6th.

At the joint news conference, Prabowo expressed Indonesia's hope to build good relationships with all countries and contribute to easing tensions among the world's major powers.

Ishiba, who also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on January 10th, returned to Japan on January 12th. He emphasized the critical importance of stronger relations with Southeast Asia in the face of an increasingly uncertain international situation. He also noted that he exchanged views with both leaders on relations with the United States and China, as well as the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and agreed to continue close communication.