Asian Insider: Indonesia seen maintaining neutrality in South China Sea

By adopting a pragmatic approach in attracting foreign investments to boost its domestic economy, Jakarta avoids getting dragged into the US-China rivalry, say experts

The location of the North Natuna Sea in the South China Sea, which has been at the centre of Indonesia's diplomatic tensions with China over maritime rights. The area is rich in marine life and fish species, as well as crude oil and natural gas reser
The location of the North Natuna Sea in the South China Sea, which has been at the centre of Indonesia's diplomatic tensions with China over maritime rights. The area is rich in marine life and fish species, as well as crude oil and natural gas reserves. PHOTO: REUTERS
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Whether Mr Donald Trump or Mr Joe Biden becomes the next president of the United States, Indonesia will maintain its neutrality in the South China Sea amid simmering tensions between US and China, analysts say.

When US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Jakarta on Oct 28, just a week before the US election, he expressed Washington's readiness to cooperate "in new ways" to ensure maritime security and protect other busy trade routes from unilateral claims by China.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 06, 2020, with the headline Asian Insider: Indonesia seen maintaining neutrality in South China Sea. Subscribe