Indonesia Has Committed To South China Sea Defence

 

CREDIT: AFP/Erwin Jacob V Miciano/Navy Office of Information

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced a "strategic dialogue" with Indonesia in order to protect and defend the South China Sea.

Washington sees Indonesia as an ally in stopping China's growing control of Asia.

Mr. Blinken and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi committed to working together against COVID-19 and the climate crisis. They plan to boost bilateral trade and economic ties.

"Indonesia is a strong democratic partner to the United States; we are working together on so many different fronts. 

Ms. Marsudi believes a strong partnership between the nations would be "a key asset for your increasing engagement in the region."

"It is my hope, and the Indonesian government's, to advance the bilateral relationship with the U.S, from health to SDG's, from education to economy, and beyond."

A statement suggested that Ms. Marsudi and Mr. Blinken "expressed shared views on maritime security and committed to defending freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, and continuing collaboration in cybersecurity and preventing cybercrime."

Meanwhile, India is on the verge of sending four warships for a two-month deployment into the South China Sea.

Germany has also sent a warship to the South China Sea. This is the first time in over two decades.

These are just two of multiple Western nations who have sent warships to the South China Sea, where they will participate in bilateral exercises with the Vietnamese People's Navy, Republic of Phillippines Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy, Indonesian Navy, Royal Australian Navy.

This is to stress the fact that they don't accept China's territorial claims.