China and Indonesia Deepen Military Ties, Expand Cooperation in Minerals, Energy and Technology
On August 20, 2026, Beijing and Jakarta’s foreign and defense ministers held talks, pledging stronger military ties and wider cooperation on critical minerals, energy, and technology.
ASIA,POLITICS
Global N Press
8/20/20261 min read
On August 20, 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun held talks in Jakarta with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, with both sides agreeing to strengthen military cooperation and expand partnerships in critical minerals, energy and technology. The discussions covered artificial intelligence, green energy, satellites and defense manufacturing, including plans for a joint ammunition factory expected to begin operations in 2027. Wang said China was ready to deepen strategic trust with Indonesia and support each other in safeguarding core interests. The cooperation comes amid heightened geopolitical competition, supply-chain restructuring and continuing tensions in the South China Sea.
Indonesia has traditionally pursued a non-aligned foreign policy while maintaining extensive economic and strategic ties with both China and the United States, giving closer China-Indonesia cooperation potential implications for the wider regional balance. Indonesia is also a major producer of nickel, a key raw material for electric-vehicle batteries and stainless steel. Chinese companies have expanded investment in Indonesia’s nickel industry and related supply chains, with Chinese investment reaching about $3.9 billion in the first half of 2026. The latest agreements therefore extend beyond bilateral defense ties and could influence Southeast Asia’s critical-mineral supply chains, energy cooperation and regional security environment.
