Indonesia and China strengthen cooperation in defence, energy, food and mineral security, technology and trade, while expanding military exchanges and exploring deeper collaboration in strategic industries.
The Indonesian government and China have increased cooperation in matters related to defence, energy, food security, mineral resources, and technology through high-level talks being held in Jakarta. These talks aim at furthering their strategic partnership while making meaningful progress in other areas such as political, economic, security, maritime, and people-to-people cooperation.
Foreign ministers Sugiono of Indonesia and Wang Yi of China head the talks, each side stressing coordination in matters of development and security. According to Wang, enhanced cooperation can help in modernization of both the countries in a complicated international scenario.
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Defense cooperation becomes an essential element of these talks. Both the Indonesian Minister for Defense Affairs, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and Chinese Minister for National Defense, Dong Jun, separately speak on strengthening their military relationship, ranging from the exchange of personnel to military cooperation and joint military exercises. For instance, Indonesia calls for China’s participation in military exercises like Heping Garuda.
There are also plans for closer cooperation in the military-industrial sector. According to the Indonesians, there are talks of setting up a joint factory in Indonesia for production of ammunition, missiles, and rockets, with possible technology transfers from China. The project is estimated to be launched in 2027.
Energy and minerals security provide yet another crucial foundation for the discussion. Both sides agree that it is essential to increase the cooperation in the field of energy and mineral resources based on Indonesia’s role as an exporter of nickel, tin, copper, gold, and bauxite. Such cooperation can facilitate more reliable supply chain systems for industries connected to renewable energy and advanced technology.
Other topics that the two countries agree to cooperate in include artificial intelligence, communications satellites, and other advanced technology. For instance, Indonesia intends to build resilience within its own territory regarding food, energy, and mineral resources by industrializing, and China has the technology necessary for this purpose.
Trading is one of the main elements of the relation. China and Indonesia agree on fostering trade, opening up new markets and providing access to Indonesian flagship commodities. Economic relation between both countries amounts to around US$167 billion in 2025, with China being Indonesia’s largest trade partner.
China is another key foreign investor in Indonesia with US$3.9 billion worth of foreign direct investment in the first six months of 2026. Chinese firms have substantial investments in sectors like nickel processing, electric vehicle batteries, and steel manufacturing.
As the relationship grows, so does Indonesia’s dedication to a foreign policy that is independent and proactive. Jakarta aims to pursue a good relationship with China and the US while building up relationships with other countries.
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These recent negotiations reflect how wide-ranging the relationship between Indonesia and China is becoming. The area of defense cooperation is growing in tandem with energy, minerals, technology, and trade and infrastructure cooperation.
Jakarta and Beijing intend to enhance their economic and security relationship by means of improved military relations, strategic resource collaboration, technology cooperation, and increased market access.