Indonesia and Japan are strengthening security cooperation against China

According to a January 11 report from Nikkei Asia, the two countries have reached an agreement to strengthen security cooperation due to concerns about China's maritime expansionism.

In their first high-level meeting, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Japanese Prime Minister Ishibashi Shigeru discussed national defense cooperation, assistance programs, and regular bilateral meetings between diplomatic agencies and defense ministries.

During the meeting, Prabowo expressed Indonesia's desire to maintain balanced relationships with all countries, while Ishibashi emphasized Japan's responsibilities and obligations to Southeast Asia. Additionally, Japan announced it would provide financial assistance for Indonesia's infrastructure projects as part of efforts to counter China's regional influence.