Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Beijing, marking the start of the Indonesian leader’s first foreign tour since taking office in October. President Xi expressed China’s desire for a “new chapter” in their bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of joint self-reliance, solidarity, and cooperation between the two major developing countries.
While China and Indonesia have a strong economic partnership, particularly in the extraction of Indonesian natural resources by Chinese companies, they have also faced tensions over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Despite these challenges, President Prabowo stated that the relationship between the two countries is strengthening.
Following their discussions, officials from China and Indonesia signed several agreements, including memorandums of understanding on maritime safety and water resources cooperation. President Prabowo’s visit to China is part of a larger world tour that will also include stops in the United States, Peru, Brazil, and Britain. He has affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy while seeking to increase the nation’s engagement on the global stage.
One of the key issues affecting China-Indonesia relations has been the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Indonesia has taken measures to protect its waters from what it perceives as Chinese incursions, deploying fighter jets and warships to patrol the Natuna islands. The South China Sea is rich in oil and gas deposits, making it a valuable resource that both countries have interests in.
China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, including the construction of artificial islands and the deployment of military assets, have raised concerns among neighboring countries. Indonesia’s response to these incursions serves as a test for President Prabowo’s commitment to defending the nation’s territory and upholding its sovereignty.
President Prabowo’s foreign policy approach, which focuses on enhancing Indonesia’s presence on the global stage, contrasts with his predecessor’s more domestically oriented agenda. By engaging with major powers like China and the United States, Indonesia aims to secure its national interests while promoting peace and stability in the region.
As President Prabowo continues his diplomatic journey, his interactions with world leaders will shape Indonesia’s role in international affairs and influence the dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region. The outcomes of his visits to key countries like China and the United States will have far-reaching implications for Indonesia’s foreign policy direction and its relationships with global partners.
