SHANGHAI: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with Indonesia to advance “true multilateralism”, during his visit to Jakarta on Saturday, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.
Li, who arrived in Indonesia for a two-day visit, stressed the importance of deepening cooperation between China and Southeast Asia’s largest economy, especially in the face of shifting global trade dynamics.
The visit comes as China increases regional engagement following a wave of tariff hikes announced earlier this year by US President Donald Trump. While some levies have been delayed, the US and China recently agreed to suspend select tariffs. Indonesia, heavily reliant on China as its main trading partner, has offered concessions to the US in hopes of avoiding similar duties.
At a business event attended by Li, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said Jakarta sees Beijing as a crucial partner for industrial and technological development, and underlined the strategic significance of their relationship for regional stability.
He also praised China’s advocacy for developing nations and its firm opposition to “imperialism” and “colonialism”.
Prabowo and Li are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Sunday to explore ways to further strengthen Indonesia-China ties, according to Indonesian investment minister Rosan Roeslani.
Li will continue his regional tour with a visit to Malaysia, where he will participate in the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
