News analysis

Closer Philippines-Indonesia defence ties could bolster Manila’s claims in South China Sea

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (left) meets his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Manila on Jan 10. PHOTO: REUTERS
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MANILA – The Philippines and Indonesia have moved to bolster their security cooperation, as South-east Asia continues to deal with Beijing’s rising assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Indonesian President Joko Widodo discussed the maritime disputes and other regional security issues during the latter’s three-day visit to Manila from Jan 9 to 11.

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