China and Indonesia have pledged to deepen their partnership by launching new flagship projects aimed at accelerating modernization and enhancing connectivity between the two nations. The agreement was reached during a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi in Beijing on Monday.
The two ministers convened for the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue, marking a significant step in elevating political, security, and defense cooperation to a new level. The meeting yielded fruitful results, according to Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, Wang Yi emphasized the important opportunities that lie ahead for both countries. He stated that China views Indonesia as a key partner in development and is eager to work together to accelerate modernization and contribute to regional prosperity and stability.
Wang Yi highlighted the need for high-quality cooperation, aligning China’s modernization efforts with Indonesia’s ‘Golden Indonesia 2045’ vision. He called for the enhancement of the Belt and Road Initiative projects, such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, and the promotion of new flagship projects through initiatives like ‘Two Countries, Two Parks’ and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor.
Both sides agreed to promote free trade, facilitate two-way trade and investment, and build a stable and efficient production and supply chain. Wang Yi expressed China’s willingness to import more Indonesian products and hoped that Indonesia would safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese-funded institutions and personnel in the country.
The ministers also discussed developing emerging industries and expanding cooperation in areas such as scientific and technological innovation, digital economy, green development, and marine and fishery industries. They emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration in fields that benefit the people, including agriculture, health, poverty reduction, disaster prevention, and rural revitalization.
Retno Marsudi hailed the meeting as a success and expressed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with China. She acknowledged China as Indonesia’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, emphasizing the strong momentum of bilateral relations over the years.
She looked forward to close exchanges at all levels and expanding practical cooperation in various areas such as economy and trade, investment, clean energy, and technological innovation. Retno Marsudi also stressed the importance of enhancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges to promote dynamic and resilient regional development and prosperity.
Both countries agreed to implement the cooperation document on joint maritime development signed by their governments, further solidifying their commitment to deepening ties and working collaboratively for mutual benefit.
The strengthened partnership between China and Indonesia is seen as a positive development for the Global South, with both nations playing key roles in defending economic globalization and trade liberalization amid global economic challenges. Their cooperation sends a message of unity and openness to the world, highlighting their regional and global influence.
