China is using 2+2 talks with South Korea and Indonesia to ‘get its plans back on track’

Beijing has held recent meetings in this format with Seoul and Jakarta, both of whom are moving closer to the Quad

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Chinese and South Korean officials meet in Seoul on June 18. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:00pm, 19 Aug 2024Updated: 4:25pm, 19 Aug 2024

China’s recent engagement with its neighbours could point to a “more comprehensive” diplomatic strategy as countries in the region draw closer to the Quad powers, according to observers.

The latest example was the first “2+2” dialogue between China and Indonesia last week, involving senior officials from their foreign and defence ministries.

China’s foreign ministry said the talks in Jakarta reflected the “high-level and strategic nature” of the two countries’ relations and marked “a new level of strategic mutual trust” between them.

China’s delegation at the talks was led by foreign vice-minister Sun Weidong and Zhang Baoqun, deputy director of the Central Military Commission’s Office for International Military Cooperation.

Abdul Kadir Jailani, director general for Asia-Pacific and African affairs at Indonesia’s foreign ministry, and Oktaheroe Ramsi, the secretary directorate general for defence strategy, headed the Indonesian side.

Senior foreign and defence officials from China and Indonesia hold their first 2+2 dialogue in Jakarta on August 13. Photo: China Ministry of Foreign Affairs

China held a similar dialogue with South Korea in June. Beijing said the two countries had agreed to build mutual trust and push for cooperation through mechanisms including a 2+2 diplomatic and security dialogue.