Jakarta: China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed concerns about 'unilateralism' during discussions with his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono in Jakarta. "We are seeing unilateralism and hegemonism. They have dealt a heavy blow to this world, as well as to the global development agenda," stated Wang at the talks' opening session.

According to Anadolu Agency, Wang's visit marks a two-day official trip aimed at participating in the first Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue and the second 2+2 meeting of foreign and defense ministers from both nations. Speaking alongside Sugiono, Wang noted the world's "fluid" and "turbulent" state. His comments come amid intensifying power dynamics in Asia, where China's influence is growing economically and militarily.

Wang was accompanied by China's Defense Minister Dong Jun for the joint meeting with Sugiono and Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. The foreign ministers' discussions centered on economic partnerships before transitioning to security and defense talks with their counterparts. Sugiono highlighted progress by stating, "We have identified new areas of cooperation and addressed the challenges that we come across."

The relationship between the two maritime nations has progressed since normalizing ties in the 1990s, with China emerging as Indonesia's top trading partner and bilateral trade reaching approximately $167.4 billion last year.

In their meeting, the defense chiefs from Indonesia and China agreed to enhance defense and military ties, focusing on joint military drills, personnel exchanges, and defense industry development. A defense cooperation agreement was initially signed between the two countries in 2007. Dong emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, "We will join hands to accelerate the modernization of national defense and build a robust security bulwark for our respective development, thereby bringing greater stability and certainty to a world rife with change and turbulence."

Earlier this month, the two nations conducted their first joint navy drill in waters east of Taiwan, described by Jakarta as a routine maritime diplomacy activity.