With Eyes on China, Japan and Indonesia Bolster Security Ties

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto speak with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo during the "two-plus-two" meeting between Japan and Indonesia at the Iikura Guesthouse of the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo, Japan March 30, 2021. David Mareuil/Pool via Reuters

TOKYO—Japan and Indonesia pledged on Tuesday to tighten security ties and signed a deal to facilitate transfers of defense equipment and technology, as their near neighbor China expands its economic and military might.

China’s territorial claims in the East and South China seas have become a priority issue in an increasingly testy Sino-U.S. relationship and also raise significant security concerns for Japan.