China Looms Over Jokowi’s Southeast Asia Trip

File image of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Image: JOSH EDELSON / AFP

Indonesia’s President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo embarked on a Southeast Asian tour this week, visiting the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei.

The visit comes as China steps into a more assertive role in Southeast Asia. Its territorial claims in the South China Sea affect all three countries. Indonesia has avoided direct confrontation with China on these issues due to the importance of Chinese trade and investment in its economy.

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by Cobus van Staden

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