Indonesia and China Urge Finalization of South China Sea Code of Conduct

Indonesia, China Push for Finalization of South China Sea Code of Conduct During High-Level 2+2 Dialogue in Jakarta

Hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta, the talks brought together Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun. Against a backdrop of shifting geopolitical currents, both nations stepped up pressure to finalize the long-delayed South China Sea Code of Conduct (CoC) while cementing broader bilateral defense and economic ties.

The push for a binding maritime framework comes as Southeast Asian nations continue to navigate territorial frictions in contested waters. According to an official press release issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu RI), both governments expressed active support for implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC). Crucially, Jakarta underscored that any final CoC forged within the ASEAN-China framework must strictly uphold ASEAN centrality, ensuring regional bodies retain their leadership in maintaining stability.

Deepening Defense Cooperation and Military-to-Military Ties

Beyond maritime governance, the Jakarta dialogue advanced concrete security arrangements that build directly upon the five strategic pillars established by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their November 2024 summit. Friday’s talks successfully translated diplomatic goodwill into operational commitments, expanding military-to-military mechanisms between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The two delegations committed to expanding joint military drills, personnel exchanges, and regular ministerial consultations. Furthermore, defense discussions tackled critical logistical needs, including an agreement to build a dedicated ammunition factory in Indonesia, as reported by the Jakarta Globe. This manufacturing collaboration highlights a deliberate shift toward deepening defense industrial capabilities without straying into contentious procurement debates regarding advanced fighter jets.

In tandem with traditional defense metrics, both countries broadened their security cooperation to target transnational crime, cyber security threats, and law enforcement challenges. Through enhanced information sharing, technical dialogues, and joint operational capacity building, Jakarta and Beijing signaled a shared intent to insulate their bilateral relationship from external security pressures.

Balancing Free-Active Foreign Policy Amid Global Pressures

For Indonesia, balancing a rapidly expanding partnership with Beijing while preserving its foundational “free and active” (bebas aktif) foreign policy remains a delicate diplomatic tightrope. Foreign Minister Sugiono reiterated that Jakarta’s engagement with China does not preclude robust partnerships with other global actors, pointing to parallel diplomatic efforts such as recent high-level talks between Indonesian and United States officials concerning Indo-Pacific security.

At the same time, The Jakarta Post noted that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit carried substantial economic weight, focusing heavily on regional economic integration and supply chain resilience. Indonesia’s leadership repeatedly emphasized that economic integration within the region serves as a primary anchor for lasting peace, framing trade stability as an essential prerequisite for defusing maritime tensions.

Both sides exchanged sharp views on the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, calling for renewed international pressure to secure a just and sustainable political resolution for Palestine.

The Road Ahead for ASEAN and Maritime Stability

Yet, by institutionalizing the 2+2 dialogue mechanism—which first debuted in Beijing in April 2025—Indonesia and China have created a predictable, high-level channel to manage friction before it boils over into open crisis.

Photo: antaranews.com

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