China's top electric vehicle maker BYD aims to complete its $1 billion plant in Indonesia at the end of 2025, the head of its local unit said on Monday, underscoring the firm's ambition to dominate in the market where Japanese automakers are popular.

The project signals Tokyo's desire for wider security ties in the region and Jakarta's aim for more joint weapon developments, analysts say In a move that analysts see as emblematic of Tokyo's shift towards broader security alliances - and Jakarta's quest to bolster its maritime defences - Japan and Indonesia are on the cusp of a landmark

China may be looking to engage the West, at least the non-US part of it, for a range of economic, political and security reasons.

Japan and Indonesia have pledged to deepen economic and defense ties during a visit by the Japanese prime minister

This week, the mercurial magnate said 10 percent tariffs on all Chinese imports could kick in on February 1 -- and on the campaign trail touted a levy as high as 60 percent.

JAKARTA -- China's automaker BYD launched its premium brand DENZA on Wednesday to expand its presence in Indonesia's upscale automotive market. "This year, BYD will bring more new models to Indonesia," said Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia-Pacific auto sales division, during the launch event in Jakarta.

Jakarta’s negotiations to acquire the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from India have gained momentum ahead of president Prabowo Subianto’s visit as the Republic Day chief guest

According to Defense Ministry’s spokesperson Frega Ferdinand Wenas, both ministers discussed the possibility of striking a military technology transfer deal. Last November, Indonesia and close neighbor Australia held joint military drills after the two nations inked a treaty-level defense pact.

Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio exchanged views on maritime security in the South China Sea.

Japan will give Indonesia two high-speed patrol boats, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Saturday, as Tokyo seeks to boost regional maritime security cooperation in the face of competing territorial claims with China.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto is set to be the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day. Prabowo met Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November.

Indonesia and India will discuss boosting defence ties, including a potential deal to sell Russian-Indian supersonic cruise missiles to Jakarta, during the Indonesian president's visit to New Delhi this week,