Indonesia and China have taken significant steps to strengthen defence cooperation and enhance food and energy security in a series of meetings held in Jakarta on August 21, 2026. High-ranking ministers from both nations participated in these discussions, where a framework was established to deepen bilateral ties across various sectors, including politics, economics, and security.

The Indonesian Foreign Minister, Retno Marsudi, conveyed the shared goal of the new dialogue, emphasizing that it aims to yield tangible results on mutual priorities. The dialogue is expected to improve collaboration on vital development and security issues that cater to the modernisation aspirations of both countries.

Joint Statements and Strategic Goals

China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, articulated the countries’ commitment to jointly opposing unilateral actions and power politics. He highlighted the necessity to remain vigilant against regional efforts that challenge the historical outcomes of World War II. The focus remains on preserving international fairness and safeguarding the legitimate rights of developing nations.

Wang underscored that this dialogue would act as a clear message to the global community, showcasing the solidarity and cooperation between these two major emerging-market economies. The joint statement reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in providing robust support for both nations’ development needs.

During the discussions, Marsudi pointed out the critical areas of collaboration such as ensuring food, energy, and mineral security. The ministers agreed on the need to develop industries that enhance national resilience, touching upon future initiatives that may include advancements in artificial intelligence and joint projects on communications satellites.

Defence Cooperation Initiatives

Indonesian Defence Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, also held meetings focused on strengthening defence ties. These talks covered a range of topics, such as material cooperation, capacity building, and the defence industries of both nations. Sjamsoeddin invited the Chinese military to engage in joint exercises, citing the Heping Garuda exercise as an example of practical cooperation between Indonesia and China.

The economic relationship between Indonesia and China has experienced robust growth in recent years, soaring to approximately $167 billion by 2025. China has emerged as Indonesia’s largest trading partner, with substantial investments in notable infrastructure projects, including the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and Cirata, the largest floating solar power initiative in Southeast Asia.

While challenges have arisen regarding pricing and project timelines, China remains committed to these ventures under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. The recent meetings held in Jakarta were a vital move towards enhancing collaboration across security, trade, technology, and major developmental projects, pivotal for both countries’ advancement.

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