Indonesian President Strengthens Ties With China

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, and Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Nov. 9, 2024. (Florence Lo/Pool Photo via A

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto recently visited Beijing to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close relations between the two countries. Subianto, who took office three weeks ago, expressed his commitment to strengthening ties with China, Indonesia's largest trading partner and a significant foreign investor. This visit marks his second trip to Beijing this year, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the two nations.

During the meeting, Subianto praised China as not only a great power but also a great civilization, underscoring the longstanding historical ties between the two countries. Xi Jinping, in turn, expressed support for Subianto's administration and commended Indonesia's independent development path. The leaders presided over the signing of various agreements in sectors such as fishing, mining, housing, and import-export, signaling a deepening of economic cooperation.

Subianto's visit to China is part of a larger multi-country tour, which includes stops in the U.S. and the U.K. Indonesia's stance of neutrality between major powers like China and the U.S. remains evident as Subianto is scheduled to meet with both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The president's proactive foreign policy approach also includes exploring membership in the BRICS bloc of developing economies.

Subianto praised China as a great power and civilization with historical ties.

Subianto visited Beijing to meet Xi Jinping, highlighting close relations.

Leaders signed agreements in fishing, mining, housing, and import-export sectors.

While Indonesia has maintained a neutral stance in territorial disputes in the South China Sea, tensions have risen in the region. Indonesia's exclusive economic zone, particularly around the Natuna Islands, has seen incursions by Chinese vessels, leading to increased patrols by Indonesian authorities. During Subianto's visit, agreements were signed on maritime safety and joint development projects in areas of overlapping maritime claims.

Overall, Subianto's visit to China underscores Indonesia's commitment to fostering strong ties with its neighbors and major global players, while also asserting its interests in regional maritime security and economic cooperation.