BLUF
This article argues that non-aligned Indonesia will continue a middle course between the US and China because it doesn’t want to alienate either.Summary
This article by Johannes Nugroho, writing for the Interpreter, makes the following points:
- Through its “nine-dash line” China claims territory within Indonesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
- Indonesia used discreet diplomatic channels to dispute these claims.
- Indonesia supports maintaining the status quo in the South China and East China Seas.
- Indonesia was an observer at Talisman Sabre and participated in exercise Garuda Shield with the US.
- China has kept a research ship in Indonesian waters for months.
- Recently the US Secretary of State acknowledged Indonesia’s Indo-Pacific leadership.
- Indonesia sees itself as first among equals in SE Asia and describes Russia and the US as its good partners.
- The adverse legacy of US support for former President Suharto remains.
References
Recent Runway Posts related to this topic:
- After years in planning, US gets serious about strategic dialogue with Indonesia | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
- Pompeo hits some bum notes in Indonesia | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
References from the Web:
- JUN 2021 Australia ‘must act’ to halt Indonesia falling under China’s sway | Sydney Morning Herald
- AUG 2021 Indonesia Unprepared as Great Powers Clash in Indo-Pacific | Foreign Policy
- AUG 2021 Despite COVID-19, Indonesia-China Relations Continue to Develop | The Diplomat
- DEC 2021 Explaining China’s relationship with Indonesia, its gateway to Southeast Asia | SupChina
Source Information Lowy Institute The:
- Article Source: TheInterpreter: an Australian think tank with a global outlook.
- Media Check: TheInterpreter - Media Bias/Fact Check (mediabiasfactcheck.com) pending
- Learning Outcomes: RUNWAY TOPICS: LEARNING OUTCOMES | The Runway (airforce.gov.au)
