Abe, Jokowi to beef up security cooperation amid S. China Sea tension

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (Pictured) agreed Sunday to boost coordination on maritime security amid tension over China’s military buildup in disputed waters of the South China Sea. (Photo: Presiden Joko Widodo/ Facebook)

BOGOR –Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo agreed Sunday to boost coordination on maritime security amid tension over China’s military buildup in disputed waters of the South China Sea.

With their talks taking place ahead of the inauguration on Friday of Donald Trump as U.S. president, the leaders also agreed on the importance of keeping close communication with the incoming U.S. administration for the maintenance of peace and stability in Asia, a senior Japanese official who attended the meeting told reporters.

“As both countries are maritime nations, maritime cooperation is a top priority,” Abe told a joint press conference following his meeting with Jokowi at Bogor Palace south of Jakarta. “Japan will proactively advance cooperation in Indonesia’s development of remote islands and maritime security.”