Indonesian Defense Minister to visit US to discuss South China Sea

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto at the Pentagon on August 24 (US time).

The two ministers agreed that the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo- Pacific and the US Indo-Pacific Strategy share fundamental principles, such as the commitment to maintaining peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region through ASEAN centrality.

The two ministers also agreed that both sides should work together with partners who share these goals and are committed to an open, inclusive, and rules-based order, according to a statement posted on the US Department of Defense website .

Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (left) and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon on August 24.

Screenshot Antaranews.com

Secretary Austin and Secretary Prabowo also shared the view that China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Minister Prabowo and Secretary Austin reaffirmed that the bilateral defense partnership is stronger than ever. They also reaffirmed the importance of Indonesia’s military modernization and discussed the two countries’ shared intention to enhance interoperability through defense capabilities, such as fighter aircraft upgrades.

Indonesia and the United States are scheduled to hold a joint military exercise next week called “Garuda Shield.” Previously, the exercise involved only the two countries’ militaries, but this year it will be larger than ever, with 17 other countries participating, according to NHK.

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