Indonesia and China Strengthen Defense Ties, Plan Joint Exercises and High-Level Talks

General Liu Zhenli, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Department of China’s Central Military Commission, and Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin during Liu Zhenli visit to Jakarta, January 10, 2025. Image via the Indonesia Ministry of Defense.

Indonesia and China are deepening their bilateral relationship, with plans for joint military exercises between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) along with a so-called “2 plus 2 Meeting” in Beijing that includes the defense and foreign ministers from both countries.

This development was discussed on Friday during separate meetings between General Liu Zhenli, chief of staff of the Joint Staff Department of China’s Central Military Commission, and Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, as well as TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Edwin Shri Bimo

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C
3 From J-10C to Kaan? Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal With Turkey Shocks Chinese Military Fans
4
Uncertainty Roils Minerals Markets
5
Indonesia Goes Nuclear, Taps China and Russia for Modular Reactors
6
Chinese Cargo Planes Secretly Ferrying Supplies to Iran, Claim Online Sleuths

You Might Like

Now It’s the EU’s Turn to Try and Change South Africa’s Mind About Russia and Upcoming Joint Naval Exercises With China

The European Union’s top foreign policy official Josep Borrell is the latest foreign dignitary to pass through Pretoria in what appears to be a vain effort to persuade South Africa’s international relations minister ...

South Africa Turned Down Invitation for Join Naval Exercises With U.S., Choosing Russia and China Instead

South Africa is apparently not interested in conducting joint naval exercises with the United States, opting instead to proceed with controversial exercises later this month with both Russia and China. U.S. Navy Rear ...

China Issues Fresh Warning to the Philippines About Expanding Military Ties With the U.S.

For the second time in a week, the Chinese government has issued a warning to the Philippines not to grant the U.S. military access to more bases in the country. An editorial ...

Problems Arise Just Hours After Qin Gang Wrapped Up a Diplomatic Repair Mission to the Philippines

A tense stand-off played out on Sunday in disputed waters off the Philippines when a pair of coast guard vessels were closely followed by a Chinese Coast Guard ship and other unidentified vessels that ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP