Indonesia's Foreign Policy in Response to China-United States Rivalry in the Indo-Pacific Region

Abstract

China's economic and military expansion in the South China Sea region over the last five years (2018-2023) has triggered an increase in global economic, military, political, and security tensions. The United States and its allies view this as a global security threat, while China’s economic growth has surpassed that of Europe and the United States. This is evidenced by China’s penetration into the domestic markets of various countries worldwide, including ASEAN member countries. China now controls almost 80% of the domestic markets of many countries, with its products outperforming those from Europe and the US. This situation prompts global political, economic, and security conflicts that have the potential to negatively impact developing countries. The global rivalry between China and the United States is leading to the formation of economic, security, and military blocs. Britain, Japan, Australia, and India align with the US bloc, while Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and North Korea align with China’s economic and military influence. Indonesia must make the right decisions to avoid being "squeezed" in this rivalry. It seems that Indonesia's foreign policy, which adheres to the principle of being free and active, must be actualized correctly to secure and strengthen Indonesia's interests in the Indo-Pacific region. This research is crucial because there has not been a positive trend of decreased Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on how Indonesia's foreign policy responds to the global rivalry between China and the United States.