Indonesia and China hold strategic dialogue in Jakarta, pledge deeper military and economic ties

· Diplomacy IDNCHN

Indonesia and China convened their Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue in Jakarta on Friday, committing to strengthen military links and cooperation across minerals, energy, and technology. The 2+2 mechanism, bringing together foreign and defence ministers, focused on political, defence, and security cooperation at bilateral, regional, and global levels.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, who established the CSD framework during a Beijing visit in April 2025, emphasised plans to deepen commercial ties spanning energy, minerals, and maritime trade. The talks laid groundwork for a 2027–2031 action plan, including joint satellite development and expanded local-currency transactions. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin received his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun to discuss expanded military collaboration.

The dialogue comes as China, a major investor with $3.9 billion in direct investment in the first half of 2026, faces friction: the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia alleged excessive regulation and extortion by local authorities. A recent joint naval exercise east of Taiwan also drew Taipei's ire. Indonesia reiterated support for China's upcoming APEC 2026 chairmanship.

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