Will other Southeast Asian countries follow Indonesia’s example with joint China drill?

A recent joint naval exercise between China and Indonesia, conducted east of Taiwan, has fueled speculation that other Southeast Asian countries might follow suit. The drill, which took place last Wednesday, was described by one observer as potentially "lowering the political threshold" for regional neighbors to engage in similar military cooperation.

This exercise was swiftly followed by a meeting on Friday between the foreign and defense ministers of both nations. During this "2+2 mechanism" dialogue, established in 2023, they discussed deepening military cooperation and a range of other topics, including food security. The mechanism has served as a model for similar arrangements with Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted Indonesia's importance to China's foreign policy in Southeast Asia, stressing the need for strengthened strategic communication and coordination. He stated, "We will jointly oppose unilateral bullying and power politics. We must also remain vigilant against attempts in the region to challenge the victorious outcomes in World War II and turn back the wheel of history. We should safeguard international fairness and justice, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries."

His Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, reported that discussions included enhancing security in food, energy, and minerals. They also addressed advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence. China views Indonesia as a key partner in the region, and this increased military and strategic engagement signals a growing alignment on security and geopolitical matters.

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We will jointly oppose unilateral bullying and power politics. We must also remain vigilant against attempts in the region to challenge the victorious outcomes in World War II and turn back the wheel of history. We should safeguard international fairness and justice, as well as the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.