Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto advocates for partnership with China, highlighting collaboration as key to peace and prosperity. He announced $10 billion in new agreements during a business forum in Beijing, preceding his visit to the United States. Subianto’s discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping focused on strengthening bilateral ties, including security cooperation.
In a recent address during a business forum in Beijing, Indonesia’s newly inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of collaboration with China amidst growing geopolitical tensions. He articulated Indonesia’s intention to support China’s rise as both an economic and a civilizational force. Subianto’s comments came following the announcement of $10 billion in new business agreements at the forum. This marks the beginning of his first overseas tour, which will include a visit to the United States.
President Subianto expressed that Indonesia’s approach would focus on collaboration rather than confrontation, stating, “We must give an example that in this modern age, collaboration — not confrontation — is the way for peace and prosperity.” During discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, both leaders agreed on advancing their bilateral relations, including plans for a joint meeting of their foreign and defense ministers in 2025. This meeting represents a significant step in enhancing security cooperation, which is now recognized as a critical pillar alongside political, economic, and cultural exchanges.
Indonesia has generally maintained a stance of non-alignment, valuing respectful relationships with global powers. Though not directly involved in territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Indonesia has actively safeguarded its interests, as evidenced by recent encounters between its patrol vessels and the Chinese coast guard. China’s investments in Indonesia, which range from mining to infrastructure projects like a high-speed railway, underscore the importance of this partnership. Nevertheless, concerns over the influx of low-cost Chinese goods affecting local industries necessitate a careful balancing act by the Indonesian government.
The context of Indonesia’s foreign policy toward China stems from a longstanding recognition of China as a vital economic partner. Under President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office recently, Indonesia aims to harness this relationship to foster economic growth while maintaining its sovereign interests and non-aligned stance. The agreements and cooperative framework laid out during his meetings with Chinese officials indicate a strategic pivot toward collaboration in various domains, even as Indonesia prepares to engage with other powers, notably the United States. The potential challenges of managing domestic economic impacts from Chinese imports and investments form a critical backdrop to these diplomatic efforts.
In conclusion, President Prabowo Subianto’s recent remarks and agreements with China illustrate a commitment to fostering cooperative relations while advocating for Indonesia’s interests on the world stage. As he prepares for discussions in the United States, Indonesia’s strategy reflects a desire for a balanced approach in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, emphasizing the need for collaboration to achieve both national and regional stability.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
