{
  "id": 2316727,
  "title": "China, Indonesia ministers meet to discuss security and economic issues",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/china-indonesia-ministers-meet-to-discuss-security-and-economic-issues",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-21T05:59:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435922/china-indonesia-ministers-meet-to-discuss-security-and-economic-issues"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "JAKARTA — China's defence and foreign ministers met with their Indonesian counterparts on Friday, with security, politics and economic issues set to be the main topics of discussion. Jakarta is seeking to maintain a balance between ties with both China and the United States amid trade disputes and tensions in the South China Sea.\n\nChina's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who visited Jakarta for the first time in two years, met with Indonesian counterpart Sugiono. Wang emphasized that amidst global challenges, it was timely for the countries to meet under a new dialogue mechanism, and both nations should \"seize the moment\". He warned that unilateralism and hegemonic actions could severely impact global cooperation and stability, urging China to actively build China-Indonesia cooperation at a high level.\n\nThe foreign ministers were expected to focus on economic issues and political relations, according to Jakarta. China's Foreign Ministry earlier stated that political and security issues, defence cooperation, and international and regional issues would be discussed during the talks.\n\nDuring his arrival at Indonesia's defence ministry, Defence Minister Dong Jun was greeted by a military honour guard. He stated that both countries' militaries have significant room for collaboration to enhance their ability to protect their national interests and counter external threats. Dong highlighted the growing prospects for military cooperation between the two nations, noting that such collaboration is becoming more effective and of higher quality.\n\nIndonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin revealed that there would be increased defence activities between their militaries, including joint exercises, officer exchanges, and partnerships in the defence industry. He emphasized that this development marks a progressive step in building Indonesia's defence power in the current era and beyond.\n\nIndonesia has experienced a rare joint military exercise between its navy and China's navy east of Taiwan, which angered Taiwan, a territory claimed by China. The exercise involved routine activities with China, Japan, and the United States. Defence analyst Curie Maharani opined that although Indonesia viewed the exercise as routine, the location enabled China to send a distinct political message, highlighting the use of defence diplomacy as an instrument of influence projection.\n\nIndonesia also faces its own disagreements with China over South China Sea developments. While Jakarta maintains a measured stance and embraces a non-aligned foreign policy, it aims to befriend all countries, including China and the United States. Chinese investment in Indonesia has reached $3.9 billion in the first half of 2026, but regulatory issues surrounding some investments have caused friction.\n\nChinese companies have urged the Indonesian government to adopt more business-friendly policies, citing higher taxes, a new nickel pricing formula, and excessive regulation as investment deterrents. Notable investors, such as the world's leading EV battery manufacturer, Contemporary Amperex Technology, and steelmaker Tsingshan Group, have operations in Indonesia, home to the world's largest nickel reserves.",
  "summary": "JAKARTA: China’s defence and foreign ministers met their Indonesian counterparts on Friday, with security, politics and economic issues set to dominate talks, as Jakarta tries to balance ties with both Beijing and Washington amid trade battles and tensions in the South China Sea. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi , visiting Jakarta for the first time in two years, met Indonesian counterpart…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}