Japan’s Natuna port proposal highlights Indonesia’s balancing act on China
Japan’s proposed port upgrades in Indonesia’s Natuna Islands reflect Tokyo’s push to bolster South China Sea security without building an overt military footprint. However, analysts stress that the move does not mean Jakarta is siding with Japan in its efforts to contain Beijing. Japan, which earlier this year eased its restrictions on lethal weapons exports, is ramping up security cooperation…
Japan's proposed port upgrades in Indonesia's Natuna Islands highlight Indonesia's strategic balancing act with China in the South China Sea. While Tokyo is bolstering the security of the region, analysts stress that this move does not indicate Jakarta's alignment with Japan in containing Beijing. Recent improvements in Japan-Indonesia relations include easing export restrictions on lethal weapons and ramping up security cooperation, such as joint defense industry development, intelligence sharing, and increased military exercises.
Japan's official development assistance may be used to upgrade Indonesia's fishing ports, potentially in the Natuna Islands, which lie along China's nine-dash line, an expansive claim in the South China Sea. The Global Times referred to Japan's offer as a tactic to expand Tokyo's intelligence gathering and strengthen its presence in the South China Sea without risking direct confrontation.
Jakarta, wary of foreign military presence, particularly Chinese, aims to develop the resource-rich islands for economic and sovereign benefits. The upgrades are part of Indonesia's "Large Islands Defence" strategy, aiming to bolster maritime deterrence. Japan, with concerns about energy imports and maritime trade through the South China Sea, views Indonesia's strategic importance as growing in the region's geopolitical landscape.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
