Should China really be teaching Indonesia how to negotiate?

Japan's proposed port upgrades in Indonesia's Natuna Islands highlight Tokyo's efforts to bolster South China Sea security without overtly displaying military presence. Analysts emphasize that this move does not indicate Jakarta aligning with Japan's efforts to contain Beijing. Japan's increasing security cooperation with Indonesia, including joint defense industry development, intelligence sharing, and expanded military exercises, signals a crucial partnership for Southeast Asia.

Kyodo News reported that Tokyo is utilizing official development assistance to upgrade fishing ports in the Natuna Islands, which are located along China's nine-dash line. Global Times frames Japan's offer as a strategic tactic to expand intelligence gathering and strengthen its presence in the South China Sea without engaging in direct confrontation.

The Natuna Islands, astride a key shipping route, are rich in commercial fishing opportunities and have seen clashes between Chinese, Vietnamese, and Indonesian fishing vessels. Indonesian policymakers are cautious about foreign military presence, particularly from China. The Natuna Islands project aims to bolster maritime deterrence and support Jakarta's "Large Islands Defence" strategy, enhancing control over the resource-rich region.

Tokyo, under its "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" strategy, seeks to assist Southeast Asian partners in building maritime capacity and awareness of threats. This reflects the continuity of Japan-Indonesia cooperation, with Japan providing patrol boats for the Indonesian coastguard since the early 2000s. For Japan, Indonesia's strategic location is vital due to its role as a geostrategic archipelago and key player in maritime trade and energy imports.

However, China is wary of Japan's growing security footprint in the region, potentially diverting Beijing's attention away from disputes in the East China Sea.