The United States’ Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller met with his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, in Jakarta on Monday, where the two discussed boosting bilateral military cooperation. Miller also met with Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi and Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto. This is the US official’s first stop in Asia, as he is expected to visit the Philippines next, and comes only one month ahead of the end of President Donald Trump’s stint at the White House.
Hinting at what unfolded during these meetings, a statement released by the US Department of the Defence said, “In all these meetings, the secretary emphasised the importance that the Department of Defence places on the bilateral partnership and in securing a free and open South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region.” The statement also further added, “With Minister Prabowo, the secretary discussed maritime security, defence procurements, information sharing, and military education. The secretary and Air Chief Marshal Hadi discussed the South China Sea and opportunities to increase military training between the two countries.”
In the Philippines today, the secretary is expected to meet with the country’s top officials, led by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin.
Immediately after the Philippines, Miller is also expected to make a pit stop at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Headquarters in Hawaii, where he will virtually participate in the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus). Through this meeting, the Defense Secretary will have the opportunity to meet with key Indo-Pacific leaders to strengthen defence relationships. The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners—Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States (US)—to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region. It is the most effective platform for practical cooperation among the participating countries’ defence establishments and the premier venue for senior leaders to discuss regional defence issues.
Only in October this year, Minister Prabowo concluded a five-day visit to the United States. The highlight of the trip was his meeting with his US counterpart, wherein he had discussed regional security, bilateral defence priorities, and defence acquisitions. The meeting reportedly lacked a conclusive outcome but was successful in the signing of a memorandum of intent regarding repatriation efforts for the remains of US personnel who disappeared in Indonesia during World War II.
Furthermore, in an indication of the US’ desire to ‘act east’, last month, the US Security Adviser Robert O’Brien visited Vietnam and the Philippines to discuss enhancing defence cooperation. The US’ regular visits to its allies in the Indo-Pacific is reflective of Washington wanting to cement its position in the region further and counter Chinese influence.
US Secretary of Defence Makes First Stop of Southeast Asia Tour in Indonesia
US Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller and his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, discussed how to bolster bilateral defence ties and realise their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific.
December 8, 2020
SOURCE: BORNEO 24