Indonesian Candidates Differ on Solutions for South China Sea Disputes

A worker holds a ballot for the February 14 presidential election showing candidates and their running mates, during the preparation for the distribution of election logistics in Tangerang, Indonesia, Jan. 10, 2024. Workers arrange ballot boxes during the preparation for the distribution of election logistics in Tangerang, Indonesia, Jan. 10, 2024.

Disputes in the South China Sea and how Indonesia should deal with China was a key focus at a nationally televised presidential debate earlier this week. Indonesians will elect a new president on February 14, and during the latest debate, the country's three candidates exchanged views on security, geopolitics and international relations.