Advertisement
In Indonesia, Pompeo makes last gasp push for Trump’s China agenda
- The US Secretary of State uses Jakarta visit to single out Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus and its spats with neighbours in the South China Sea
- Jakarta, which does far more trade with China than the US, is more reserved. Analysts say if the US wants it to choose sides, disappointment looms
Reading Time:6 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday pledged stronger support for Indonesia’s ambitious infrastructure plans and efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, as he praised Southeast Asia’s largest economy for its stance at multilateral forums on Beijing’s “unlawful” claims on the South China Sea.
Advertisement
“We also welcome the example Indonesia set with decisive action to safeguard its maritime sovereignty around the Natuna Islands,” he said at a joint news conference with his Indonesian counterpart, referring to Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone that borders the South China Sea.
“I’m looking forward to cooperating together in new ways to ensure maritime security and protect some of the world’s busiest trade routes,” Pompeo added.
Pompeo, who was in Jakarta as part of a five-country trip through Asia to boost ties amid escalating US-China tensions that have roiled the region, singled out Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus and its maritime claims against its smaller neighbours.
Advertisement
Pompeo arrived in Indonesia from the Maldives, where he announced the United States would for the first time open an embassy in the Indian Ocean archipelago, a move that reflects growing US concern about increasing Chinese influence in the region.
“The Chinese Communist Party continues its lawless and threatening behaviour,” Pompeo said in Male, just hours after accusing the party of being a “predator” during his previous stop in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.
Advertisement