China Warns Indonesia Over US Defense Tie, Cites Regional Stability Risks

Suara Pecari – 18 April 2026 | China cautioned Jakarta on the recently signed defense partnership with Washington, warning that the arrangement could affect regional stability.

The Major Defense Cooperation Partnership was concluded by Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon earlier this week.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun of China’s foreign ministry stressed that any defense collaboration must not target third parties or undermine peace.

He invoked the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation as the legal basis for collective security in Southeast Asia.

A key point of contention is the US request for overflight clearance, allowing American military aircraft to cross Indonesian airspace without landing.

Beijing warned that such permission could breach the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and upset the strategic balance.

Indonesia’s foreign ministry, through spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang, clarified that no unrestricted access has been granted to foreign forces.

The overflight proposal remains under internal review and has not been finalized.

Mewengkang added that any use of the national airspace will be subject to strict domestic procedures.

The defence ministry also reiterated that airspace control rests with the Indonesian armed forces, which follow established protocols.

Rico Ricardo Sirait, head of the defence information bureau, described draft documents mentioning blanket overflight as preliminary.

He emphasized that any final decision will require coordination across relevant ministries.

China warned that defense cooperation harming third‑party interests could destabilise the region.

Guo referenced alleged incidents in which US aircraft entered Indonesian airspace eighteen times for surveillance over the South China Sea.

Jakarta has not confirmed those reports but noted that technical handling of such incursions is a military matter.

The US proposal under the MDCP also covers capacity building, technology transfer and joint training initiatives.

Experts observe that Indonesia seeks to balance its ties with both Washington and Beijing while protecting sovereignty.

The warning comes amid intensifying US‑China rivalry in the Indo‑Pacific, where both powers vie for influence over maritime routes.

ASEAN members have repeatedly called for restraint and collective responsibility to avoid escalation.

Beijing’s statement highlights concern that external use of ASEAN airspace could set a precedent for other members.

Jakarta’s diplomatic approach aims to preserve strategic autonomy without alienating either partner.

The issue remains fluid as Indonesia continues to examine the overflight request and monitor regional reactions, keeping stability as a priority.