Indonesia and China push for completion of South China Sea Code of Conduct
Indonesia and China support the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and encourage the completion of a Code of Conduct (COC) within the ASEAN-China framework while continuing to uphold ASEAN centrality.
According to a press release from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta on Friday, this was conveyed at the 2nd Meeting of the 2+2 Dialogue Mechanism of Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers between Indonesia and China, held at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The dialogue mechanism was led by Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, together with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun on Friday.
Indonesia and China also discussed strengthening ASEAN-China cooperation and the importance of maintaining stability in relations between major powers. Indonesia stressed that strengthening regional economic integration can also help create a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.
In addition, Indonesia also affirmed that amid an international situation still full of pressure, dialogue is a necessity to build trust, reach common understanding, and maintain the foundation for cooperation.
“Our region needs partnerships built on the principles of mutual respect and mutual understanding to keep the region peaceful, open and inclusive,” said Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono.
The two delegations agreed to strengthen political, security and defence cooperation, including law enforcement, combating transnational crime, and cyber security through capacity building, information exchange, joint actions and technical dialogue.
Regarding the defence sector, Indonesia and China agreed to strengthen the military-to-military mechanism between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and meetings between the defence ministries of the two countries.
Indonesia also affirmed that such cooperation is part of the implementation of its free and active foreign policy with various partner countries, including China.
In addition, the two delegations also exchanged views on developments in the Middle East and stressed the importance of international efforts to encourage the realisation of a just and sustainable political solution for Palestine.
The first 2+2 dialogue was held in Beijing in April 2025. Indonesia hosted this meeting, complementing bilateral cooperation in five strategic pillars, especially security, as agreed by President Prabowo Subianto and Chinese President Xi Jinping since November 2024.