Antara News·Indonesia·Friday, August 21, 2026 at 07:19 PM

Indonesia, China urge finalization of South China Sea Code of Conduct

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Cindy Frishanti Octavia, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia and China reaffirmed their shared commitment to accelerating the finalization of the South China Sea Code of Conduct (CoC) while upholding ASEAN centrality in regional security management.

The commitment came during the second 2+2 dialogue mechanism in Jakarta on Friday (August 21), co-chaired by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin alongside their Chinese counterparts, Wang Yi and Dong Jun.

According to an official statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both nations voiced support for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC) and called for an expedited conclusion of a binding CoC under the ASEAN-China framework.

"Our region needs partnerships built on the principles of mutual respect and understanding to maintain a peaceful, open and inclusive region," Sugiono said, stressing that open dialogue remains vital for building trust amid escalating global tensions.

Beyond maritime conduct, the two delegations agreed to step up bilateral cooperation across political, security, and defense domains.

To strengthen military ties, both sides committed to expanding interaction mechanisms between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), anchored by institutionalized regular meetings between their respective defense ministers.

The expanded partnership also targets broader law enforcement and security challenges through enhanced joint actions, information sharing, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at curbing transnational crime and reinforcing cybersecurity resilience.

On the broader geopolitical and economic front, the representatives emphasized the need to deepen ASEAN-China economic linkages as an engine for long-term regional stability and prosperity.

Turning to international affairs, both delegations voiced shared concern over the Middle East conflict, calling for coordinated global action to reach a durable, just political resolution for Palestine.

Indonesian officials emphasized that deep engagement with Beijing reflects the implementation of the country's "independent and active" foreign policy stance.

The Jakarta summit follows the inaugural 2+2 dialogue held in Beijing in April 2025, fulfilling a strategic roadmap established by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their November 2024 summit to bolster bilateral security architecture.

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