JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) – In a significant diplomatic engagement, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday to explore avenues for expanding trade and investment amidst the backdrop of a global trade war dominated by U.S. policies. This meeting comes at a time when economic globalization faces substantial challenges, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Li's arrival in Jakarta on Saturday signaled the commencement of a three-day visit to Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia and his first overseas trip of the year. The meetings aim to foster partnerships as both nations navigate a complex international landscape.
As member states of the Group of 20 and of BRICS, Indonesia and China are positioned similarly within the global economic framework. During the Indonesia-China Business Reception on Sunday evening, where Li was accompanied by a delegation of 60 prominent Chinese business leaders, he underscored the resilience of China’s economy in the face of growing external pressures.
“The current international situation is at a stalemate,” Li stated, addressing the gathering that included President Subianto. He emphasized the worrying trends of increasing unilateralism and protectionism, asserting that “bullying behavior is increasing.” Li also marked the 70th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement, which started in Indonesia's Bandung city, highlighting its significance in promoting international solidarity and cooperation among developing countries.
Li’s remarks encouraged all nations to engage in constructive dialogue, advocating for the resolution of differences while fostering peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, Subianto reciprocated by expressing gratitude to China for its involvement in Indonesia’s economy, which has created jobs, facilitated technology transfer, and helped build business trust. He additionally invited Chinese investors to deepen their commitments in the country, highlighting the robust two-way trade that surpassed $147.8 billion last year, reflecting a growth rate of 6.1%.
China has maintained its role as Indonesia’s largest trading partner for nine consecutive years. Li pointed out that significant advancements have been made under China's Belt and Road Initiative, including investments in nickel smelting plants and the establishment of Whoosh, Southeast Asia's first high-speed rail service, which commenced operations in October 2023 and has already transported nearly 10 million passengers.
Indonesia is particularly keen on enhancing its role in supplying nickel and other essential raw materials critical to China’s electric vehicle manufacturing sector. In recognition of the importance of this relationship, Subianto hosted Li at a ceremonial event at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Sunday. Following his meetings in Indonesia, Li is scheduled to proceed to Malaysia on Monday, where he will participate in the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Summit, alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and leaders from Southeast Asian countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
