As Jakarta deepens military and coastguard cooperation while rejecting Beijing's sweeping claims, can it maintain a precarious equilibrium? Indonesia is walking a fine line between bolstering ties with Beijing and preserving its long-standing non-aligned stance.
Anwar's statement at the World Economic Forum emphasises the need to balance strong relations with China while addressing maritime issues Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Southeast Asian nations not to "single out" Beijing over South China Sea disputes,
Ships going to China through the Indian Ocean region pass through this area. If the anti-ship supersonic cruise missile BrahMos is deployed at this place, then China’s position will be weakened. The BrahMos that Indonesia is planning to buy could be a land-based coastal battery.
Tensions have prevailed over aggressive Chinese assertions in the waters. Beijing's claims overlap with exclusive economic zones of several countries in the region, including Indonesia.
Millions of people across Asia and the world are welcoming the Lunar New Year which coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calendar. Widely considered to be the most important event in the year for many in Asia and some Asian communities worldwide, the Lunar New Year represents a fresh start for those who celebrate.
China's coast guard said the Philippines on Friday sent a civilian vessel to deliver provisions to its warship "illegally grounded" at Second Thomas Shoal, a disputed atoll in the South China Sea.
As Asia’s most populous nations grapple with youth unemployment, experts worry that the region could fail to maximise its economic potential going forward. The series Shifting Horizons looks at the difficulties the youth face and possible solutions.
According to Defense Ministry’s spokesperson Frega Ferdinand Wenas, both ministers discussed the possibility of striking a military technology transfer deal. Last November, Indonesia and close neighbor Australia held joint military drills after the two nations inked a treaty-level defense pact.
President Prabowo Subianto’s about-turn on membership of the economic grouping is about status rather than material gains.
India and Indonesia have pitched for a "full and effective" code of conduct in the South China Sea in accordance with the relevant international laws amid China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the region.