{
  "id": 2346041,
  "title": "China, Indonesia agree to boost military ties, work closer on minerals, energy and tech",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/china-indonesia-agree-to-boost-military-ties-work-closer-on-minerals",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T09:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-indonesia-military-ties-minerals-energy-tech-6333081"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed a commitment to Indonesia's free and active foreign policy, which includes befriending all countries, including China and the United States. China and Indonesia have agreed to enhance their military ties and collaborate on minerals, energy, and technology, aiming to balance their relationships with both Beijing and Washington. This comes amid economic and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the South China Sea. China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, emphasized the need to seize the moment and stressed that unilateralism and hegemonic acts undermine global cooperation and stability. Both countries agreed to cooperate in areas such as artificial intelligence, defense, rail transport, green energy, satellites, and fisheries.\n\nPrabowo Subianto has advocated for a non-aligned foreign policy, seeking to maintain friendly relations with multiple countries, including China and the United States. Wang Yi stated that both nations would support each other's core interests and work together more closely in energy and mineral resources. Indonesia, a US$1.4 trillion G20 economy, is rich in resources like nickel, tin, copper, gold, and bauxite, and is the world's largest exporter of palm oil and thermal coal, with China being one of its top buyers. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun received a military honor guard upon his arrival in Jakarta for talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The prospects for military cooperation between the two nations are promising, with plans for increased joint exercises, officer exchanges, and defense industry partnerships.\n\nHowever, China's naval exercise near Taiwan has raised concerns in Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. While Indonesia viewed the exercise as routine, China used it as an opportunity to demonstrate its influence. Indonesia has also faced disagreements with China over the South China Sea, where Beijing claims almost the entire area. Despite these tensions, China remains a significant investor in Indonesia, contributing US$3.9 billion in foreign direct investment in the first half of 2026. Some Chinese companies have expressed concerns over higher taxes, a new nickel pricing formula, and perceived regulatory issues.",
  "summary": "Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has advocated maintaining Indonesia's \"free and active\" foreign policy of non-alignment, vowing to befriend all countries including China and the United States.",
  "key_points": [
    "Indonesia and China pledge to strengthen military cooperation.",
    "Focus on minerals, energy, and technology collaboration.",
    "Both nations aim to balance relations with US and China."
  ],
  "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."
}