Xi Jinping and Prabowo Subianto Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Cooperation

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Beijing on Saturday, marking a significant moment in the development of China-Indonesia relations. Prabowo is currently on a state visit to China at Xi’s invitation.

During their meeting, Xi expressed China’s readiness to work closely with Indonesia’s new government to continue promoting self-improvement, solidarity, and win-win cooperation among major developing countries. He noted that Prabowo’s decision to visit China as his first overseas trip after taking office underscores the importance he attaches to strengthening bilateral ties, highlighting the strategic nature of China-Indonesia relations.

Xi emphasized the need to uphold principles such as strategic autonomy, mutual trust, fairness, and justice, which have been the foundation of their successful cooperation. He also stressed that these principles would guide future bilateral relations, ensuring their sustained and stable development.

“China is willing to work with Indonesia to build on past achievements and promote a shared future with regional and global influence,” Xi said. He further proposed enhancing cooperation across the “five pillars” of politics, economy, cultural exchange, maritime affairs, and security. Key areas of cooperation include high-quality Belt and Road initiatives, digital economy, manufacturing, the circular economy, and maritime development.

Xi also expressed China’s commitment to working with Indonesia on projects that benefit the people, such as poverty reduction, medical advancements, and vocational education. He highlighted the importance of expanding exchanges and deepening cooperation in these areas, which align with the mutual interests of both countries.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and the upcoming anniversary of the Bandung Conference next year, which Xi noted are significant milestones in China-Indonesia relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, cooperation, and inclusiveness in the Global South, with Xi calling for closer multilateral strategic coordination to safeguard regional peace and stability.

Prabowo, in turn, reiterated Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its strategic coordination with China. He highlighted Indonesia’s willingness to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and emphasized the importance of cooperation across industrial chains, including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and food security.

Prabowo also reaffirmed Indonesia’s adherence to the one-China principle, expressing support for China’s development and stability efforts, particularly in Xinjiang, and China’s stance on the Palestinian issue. He further affirmed Indonesia’s independent foreign policy and its intention to remain non-aligned while enhancing coordination with China in multilateral frameworks such as the G20.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements in areas such as joint development, the blue economy, water conservancy, and mineral resources. A joint statement was also issued, highlighting the advancement of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the China-Indonesia community with a shared future.