US Army chief seeks closer security ties with Indonesia amid tensions in South China Sea

Friday’s meeting between U.S. Army Chief of Staff James McConville and Indonesia’s senior defense official sought to strengthen security relations despite rising Chinese maritime activities in the Indo-Pacific.

McConville said he and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto discussed increasing military exercises and collaboration.

We collaborate with several regional friends. “We all want peace, security, and stability for the region,” McConville added. We work together to keep the Indo-Pacific free and open for everyone.”

Subianto said promoting and maintaining peace and stability in the region “is our common concern,” but highlighted Indonesia’s neutrality and desire to maintain partnerships with all states, “especially all the major powers.”

The Philippines, which is fighting China over South China Sea territory, sent McConville to Jakarta late Thursday. His visit follows U.S.-Philippine war rehearsals last month that angered Beijing.

On Thursday, ASEAN leaders convened in Indonesia to discuss South China Sea territorial concerns. China, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam claim most of the sea.

Shipping channels, abundant seafood, and mineral riches are in the South China Sea. China and ASEAN have made little progress on a conflict-prevention code of conduct.

ASEAN leaders repeated their plea for self-restraint in disagreements to prevent miscalculations and confrontations.

The U.S. still dominates the region’s military, despite China’s rising importance. Washington has security ties with the Philippines and several other ASEAN nations.