Chinese Economic Statecraft in Indonesia/East Timor: A Historical and Regional Perspective

Abstract

From inside China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), two southern tier nations offer contrary perspectives as to the efficacy of Beijing’s economic statecraft, namely Indonesia and East Timor. While obviously asymmetric in practically every respect, nevertheless a careful study of these two nations’ bilateral links with China over long and short times offers salutary lessons on infrastructure financing in particular. Several interconnected inquiries are interposed. In a nation known for its competing political elites and support bases, how successful has China been in micro-managing its relations with Jakarta over trade and investment deals even carrying through to a post-authoritarian order? How has newly independent albeit aid-dependent Timor-Leste been able to parlay the China connection? Mixing documentary with primary research in situ, the inclusion of the East Timor case adds a missing link in the growing literature on the BRI.

Timor-Leste 2021-2022: Electoral change and economic reset

“…China also won kudos from the Timor-Leste political elite for its early backing for independence and support for UN initiatives in 1999. Beijing also went on to participate in UN missions and contribute to infrastructure construction, particularly public buildings, electricity generation and infrastructures around roads and ports [Gunn 2021b].…”

China's Aggressive Stance In The North Natuna Region, Indonesia Did What?

“…In the end, the Commander of the Joint Command of Region I, instructed 3 warships to make an expulsion attempt. Chinese-owned fishing vessels are still often observed occupying the North Natuna Sea area and this incident has repeatedly occurred (Gunn, 2021). Based on the background of the above problems, it is very important to discuss further about how the solution is carried out by Indonesia in responding to China's unilateral claim to ownership of the North Natuna sea area based on UNCLOS 1982 and Indonesia's national interests?…”