Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated that China and Indonesia will promote “true multilateralism” as he arrived in Jakarta on Saturday for a two-day visit, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
China has been actively strengthening its relationships with countries in Southeast Asia since the U.S., under President Donald Trump, began imposing significant import tariffs on its global trading partners.
While some of these levies have been delayed, and China and the U.S. have since agreed to a temporary pause on certain tariffs, the trade tensions have prompted China to deepen its engagement with regional partners. Indonesia, whose largest trading partner is China, has offered concessions to the U.S. in an effort to mitigate potential tariffs.
Speaking at a business leaders’ event attended by Premier Li, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized the importance of relations between Beijing and Jakarta for regional stability. He stated that Indonesia views China as a crucial partner in developing its industry and technology sectors.
President Prabowo also commended China’s role in defending the interests of developing nations and its opposition to “imperialism” and “colonialism.”
Prabowo and Li are scheduled to meet on Sunday to discuss ways to further strengthen Indonesia-China relations, according to Indonesian Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani.
Following his visit to Jakarta, Premier Li will travel to Malaysia to participate in the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, Xinhua reported.
This visit underscores the growing economic and political ties between China and Southeast Asian nations, particularly in the context of evolving global trade dynamics.