Indonesia calls for Asean unity in defence sector

Philippine Coast Guard personnel survey several ships believed to be Chinese militia vessels in Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea on April 27, 2021. - Philippine Coast Guard via Reuters

JAKARTA (The Jakarta Post/ANN): Indonesia called for unity among member states at the Asean Defence Ministerial Meeting (ADMM) this week, as growing great power rivalries overshadowed the region.

Hosted by Brunei second defence minister Awang Halbi, Asean defence ministers met virtually on Tuesday and Wednesday (June 16) for the ADMM as well as the ADMM+, which is a forum involving their counterparts from Asean dialogue partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.