New Defense Deal Could Tighten U.S. Control Over Another Critical Seaway

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his Indonesian counterpart announced a defense deal Monday in Virginia that could strengthen U.S. control in a seaway critical for China.

Hegseth and Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin agreed to strengthen an existing agreement between the two countries to a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP), according to a War Department (DOW) press release. The MDCP lays the groundwork for greater military cooperation, modernization of defenses and more training, a joint statement read. The Strait of Malacca, a key waterway between the Indian and Pacific Oceans running between the Indonesian island of Sumatra and Malaysia and Singapore, could see a strengthened U.S. presence as a result.

“The two leaders committed to expanding the scope and complexity of bilateral and multilateral exercises … to strengthen collective capabilities and promote Peace through Strength,” the press release read.

The Strait of Malacca is oil tankers’ shortest route from the Middle East to East Asia by sea. Approximately 23.2 million barrels of oil passed through daily during the first half of 2025, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration statistics. This represented around 29% of total oil trade by sea.

Roughly 48% of the imports passing through Malacca were bound for China during 2025’s first six months, according to the agency. America also conducts oil trade through the strait. Approximately 800,000 barrels transited the route from the U.S. east coast while around 200,000 barrels reached the U.S. west coast after passing through, mostly from Middle East-based suppliers.

President Trump remains laser focused on securing the world’s choke points.

The Strait of Malacca is unequivocally more important than Hormuz.

On one side of the Strait is Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. On the other side is Indonesia. https://t.co/IrAvSbRdrA

— John Ʌ Konrad V (@johnkonrad) April 13, 2026

Ship traffic in the strait and Singapore hit an annual record of over 94,000 vessels in 2024, the maritime outlet Infomare reported.

Both countries will work on developing their capabilities at sea and with autonomous systems, as well as in repairs and military preparedness, according to the joint statement shared by the DOW. The officials pledged to also “enhance joint special forces training.”

“This partnership is representative of the continued development of the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral defense relationship, built upon decades of cooperation,” the readout continued. “Both countries recognize each other as important partners and reaffirm their commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared interest in regional peace and stability.”

AUTHOR

Justin Bailey

Associate Editor

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