TOKYO: Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi and his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto, agreed Sunday to strengthen security cooperation between the two countries to counter China’s coercion.

Specifically, the ministers agreed that Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and Indonesia’s military will conduct joint exercises in the South China Sea.

Japan and Indonesia need to cooperate as strategic partners, Kishi told Prabowo in a meeting in Tokyo.

Prabowo said both Japan and Indonesia are maritime countries and respect the rule of law and freedom of navigation.

Referring to a Chinese law that allows its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels, Kishi said it should not undermine legitimate interests of countries concerned.

Kishi and Prabowo agreed to promote Japan’s exports of defense equipment and technologies to Indonesia.

The ministers also agreed to work together to bring democracy back to Myanmar.

JIJI Press