In a landmark move to strengthen bilateral ties, Indonesian and Chinese companies signed business agreements exceeding $10 billion on Sunday.
This significant development occurred during President Prabowo Subianto’s state visit to Beijing, marking the first stop of his inaugural overseas tour since taking office last month.
President Prabowo’s diplomatic journey will continue with visits to the United States, followed by engagements at the APEC and G20 summits in South America, and subsequent trips to the UK and the Middle East. His meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping resulted in a mutual commitment to deepen relations, notably by elevating security as a new “pillar” of cooperation alongside political, economic, maritime, and cultural exchanges. The two nations plan to hold their first-ever joint meeting of foreign and defense ministers next year, signifying a strengthened partnership.
“Indonesia and the People’s Republic of China are committed to strengthening our friendship and furthering the prosperity of our two nations,” President Prabowo expressed on X (formerly Twitter).
Before departing Beijing for Washington, President Prabowo oversaw a significant ceremony where the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry formalized agreements with leading Chinese corporations. These deals, focusing on renewable energy, health, and food security, underscore the robust economic collaboration between the two countries.
Addressing the Indonesia-China Business Forum in Beijing, Prabowo highlighted the vital role of Chinese businesses in Asia and reiterated the commitment to ongoing cooperation. “This is part of our synergy across all sectors, in education, business, industries, people-to-people … we are very optimistic about the prospects,” he stated, emphasizing collaboration over confrontation as the path to peace and prosperity.
China stands as Indonesia’s largest trading partner, contributing over $7 billion in investments. This visit underscores China’s support for Indonesia’s ambitious economic initiatives, including industrial and infrastructure projects.
Dr. Ahmad Rizky Mardhatillah Umar, an Indonesian political researcher, noted the significance of Prabowo’s visit to China, highlighting its role in supporting Indonesia’s economic programs. Prabowo’s strategy appears to balance economic interests with China while strengthening defense ties with the US, the world’s two largest economies.
Teuku Rezasyah, an international relations expert, suggested that Prabowo’s choice of China as his first international destination might be a strategic move to attract more US investment. “This development will become ammunition for Prabowo when he speaks with American businesses,” Rezasyah explained.
As Prabowo seeks to establish his legacy, he aims to assure the international community of his leadership capabilities. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, French, and German, Prabowo is well-equipped to engage with global leaders and foster confidence in Indonesia’s international relations.
+ There are no comments
Add yours