Australia and Indonesia to deepen military ties after striking ‘historic’ security pact
GuardianAUG 2024
Australia and Indonesia Finalize 'Significant' New Defense Pact
Image copyright: James D. Morgan/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Australia and Indonesia have a mutual desire to support sovereignty in Southeast Asia, particularly against PRC aggression. However, this is not an alliance or preparation for war, but rather an agreement to boost each other's maritime defense capabilities. Canberra and Jakarta are showing that while Beijing is welcome to increase its economic footprint in the region, any military action in Australian or Indonesian waters will be met with equal force.
Establishment-critical narrative
The West should not overestimate its influence in Southeast Asia. While Indonesia may sign treaties with countries like Australia, it's simultaneously cooperating with China on economic and defense issues. Jakarta has affirmed the one-China policy with Taiwan and is working toward building a security pact with Beijing in the South China Sea. As the US meddles in other Southeast Asian countries' affairs, Indonesia is aware of its need to broker its own peace with China.