Indonesian Defense Diplomacy in Southeast Asia (Deal with Usa – China Rivality In South China Sea)

Abstract

The South China Sea is one of the seas in the world that attracts the attention of many countries. In this sea there are two great powers in the world, namely the United States and China. These two countries compete with each other to instill their hegemony in the region. China is present in the South China Sea because of their unilateral claim in this sea, they feel this South China Sea is theirs, based on their past history. This unilateral claim is rejected by many countries, both in Southeast Asia and by the United States. The United States feels that the South China Sea is a free ocean that cannot be owned by any country, and Indonesia has always asked China to comply with applicable international law. The rivalry between these two countries has now led to the potential for war between them. This research is a qualitative descriptive study, with data collection techniques using interviews, literature studies and discussion forums. The conclusion of this research is that Indonesia has nothing to do with the rivalry between the United States and China in the South China Sea, Indonesia always prioritizes a free and active foreign policy, by not taking sides with one country. Indonesia's defense diplomacy is carried out in order to reduce conflicts that lead to war between the United States and China in the South China Sea.