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Beyond Hormuz: The US–Indonesia Defense Pact and What It Means for China

The new pact targets China’s energy lifelines.
Beyond Hormuz: The US–Indonesia Defense Pact and What It Means for China
U.S. Secretary of War Secretary Pete Hegseth (Top-L) and Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (Top-R) pose for a photo with U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelly McKeague (L) and Indonesian Maj. Gen. Agus Widodo (R) as they hold a signed memorandum of understanding at the Pentagon in Washington on April 13, 2026. Emphasizing that both countries share a "peace through strength" approach, Hegseth said that the U.S. and Indonesia are increasing military cooperation. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Antonio Graceffo
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Commentary

The U.S.–Indonesia defense pact strengthens American strategic control over key maritime chokepoints, enhancing its ability to pressure China’s energy lifelines while reinforcing the blockade of Iran.

Antonio Graceffo
Antonio Graceffo
Author
Antonio Graceffo, Ph.D., is a China economy analyst who has spent more than 20 years in Asia. Graceffo is a graduate of the Shanghai University of Sport, holds an MBA from Shanghai Jiaotong University, and studied national security at American Military University.