Japan expects to counter balance

Japan expects to counterbalance China’s maritime advances by deepening collaboration with Indonesia, a leading ASEAN member. Tokyo also aims to serve as a bridge between ASEAN and the United States due to concerns in Southeast Asia over the America-first policy of the Trump administration. Ishiba and Prabowo confirmed that the two countries will work together on defense equipment, technology cooperation and personnel exchanges. One option agreed was joint development of a naval vessel based on a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer. On the economic front, the leaders confirmed that the two countries will cooperate on issues related to resources and infrastructure in the context of reducing the carbon footprint in the Asian region. Indonesia, which advocates an omnidirectional foreign policy, has strong economic ties with China. It may be mentioned that on January 6, 2025, Indonesia formally joined BRICS, which comprises Brazil, China, India, Russia and other emerging economies. สล็อต