US Army chief seeks closer security ties with Indonesia amid tensions in South China Sea

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville (left) shakes hands with Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto as they exchange souvenirs during their meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, Friday, May 12, 2023. - AP

JAKARTA,May 13 (AP): US Army Chief of Staff James McConville met with Indonesia’s top defense official on Friday to push for stronger security ties amid growing Chinese maritime activity in the Indo-Pacific region.

McConville said he and Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto discussed ways to deepen cooperation, including enhanced military exercises between the countries.