Drugov Alexey

Indonesia between Two Scales

ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНАЯ АЗИЯ: АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ РАЗВИТИЯ, 2023, №2(59), 75-89

 
Annotation: The article is devoted to the relations of Indonesia with Chinese People’s Republic and United States of America. The ties with China which is the largest trade partner and one of largest investors in Indonesia are complicated because of the situation in South China Sea and contradictions over Exclusive Economic Zone of Natuna Archipelago. Indonesia is increasing its military presence in Natuna which is clearly connected with this conflict. But lately more active Indonesia-China political contacts took place including high level ones, which gives hope of overcoming these negative trends. The USA are using tensions in Indonesia-China relations to draw Jakarta at its side as near as possible in growing USA-China tensions. There are signs of growth of military and military-technical cooperation between the two countries, including joint exercises in SCS and nearest regions. At the same time dissatisfaction is growing in Indonesia caused by the policy of the USA and the West as a whole which is not based upon the principle of equality and mutual understanding of interests.

Keywords: China, USA, South China Sea, Natuna archipelago, exclusive economic zone, military exercises, military cooperation