US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is on a tour to forge new alliances in Asia, with Indonesia high on his list. Washington, which is increasingly at odds with Beijing on regional issues, aims to build new bridges.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo underlined US interest in cooperating with Indonesia in the South China Sea during a visit to Jakarta on Thursday.
"I am looking forward to co-operating together in new ways to ensure maritime security protects some of the world's busiest trade routes," Pompeo told a joint press conference with his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi.
Marsudi, meanwhile, said she wanted a stable and peaceful South China Sea where international maritime law is respected.
China, Brunei, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan have overlapping claims to parts of the South China Sea — one of the most important trade routes in the world. Jakarta has often positioned itself as an "honest broker" in these disputes but has clashed with Beijing over its own exclusive economic zone, for example when it comes to fishing.
Renewed China attack
Ahead of the US election, Pompeo repeated past assertions against China, with which US relations have deteriorated in recent times. He praised Indonesia's efforts to safeguard its interests while slamming China's "unlawful" claims.
Pompeo is expected to meet Indonesian President Joko Widodo and also address an Islamic youth group on his visit.
Pompeo is on a five-nation tour in Asia, to strengthen US relations in the region. Prior to visiting Indonesia, he visited India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. He will be flying to Vietnam later on Thursday.
Latest Stories
-
Imani-Ghana criticises Akufo-Addo for not lauding Fourth Estate’s contribution to social development
3 mins -
Man remanded for allegedly stabbing businessman with broken bottle and screwdriver
28 mins -
Population in Kumasi Central Prison surges to 1800, threefold exceeding capacity
38 mins -
NPP to conduct La Dadekotopon parliamentary primary today
38 mins -
KPMG’s report on GRA and SML deal, government white paper on report and matters arising
39 mins -
I won’t reply to Chris Brown tour criticism – Ayra Star
41 mins -
British Columbia to back off drug decriminalisation project
49 mins -
Veteran commentator Joe Lartey Sr dies at 96
50 mins -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses KPMG report on SML deal, ILO on SSNIT reserves and NDC’s running mate
1 hour -
Ghanaian activist hugs over 1,100 trees in an hour to set Guinness World Records
1 hour -
Mathew Anim Cudjoe’s Dundee United promoted to Scottish Premiership after Championship win
1 hour -
NSMQ star Jochebed Adwoa Sutherland sweeps 12 awards at UG Vice-Chancellor’s Ceremony
2 hours -
Ghana’s Education Quality ranked 125 out of 183 countries in latest Global Youth Development Index
3 hours -
Emma Stone wants people to use her real first name
3 hours -
Verna Purified Water emerges as ultimate winner at Ghana Beverage Awards 2023
3 hours