China Pressure Hangs Over Indonesia’s U.S. Tariff Deal

China risks pressuring Indonesia over its pending U.S. tariff deal, economists warn, as Jakarta nears signing a trade pact with Washington.
US President Donald Trump with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto in Sharm el-Sheikh on October 13, 2025. (Photo: SUZANNE PLUNKETT / POOL / AFP)

Indonesia’s planned tariff deal with the United States risks drawing pressure from China, if Jakarta grants Washington terms not extended elsewhere, an Indonesian economist warned, as the agreement nears signing.

“China might use this as a basis to demand the same treatment,” Yose Rizal Damuri, executive director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said. “Such cases can even lead to retaliation.”

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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