Jakarta: US Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin met his Indonesian counterpart on Monday to push stronger defence ties amid growing Chinese naval activity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Austin, at a joint news conference after meeting with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto, said they discussed ways to deepen the two countries’ partnership, including through expanding interoperability and increasing investments in defence education.
“The United States is proud to partner with you as we work together to advance our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Austin said.
But Subianto stressed Indonesia’s neutral stance.
“I like to emphasise that Indonesia always takes the position of trying to maintain the best relationships with all nations, especially all the major powers,” Subianto said.
—PTI
US pushes defence ties with Indonesia as China strengthens
