[Source/Observer Network, Chen Sijia] On the morning of May 24th, at the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwa, who is also the rotating chairman of ASEAN, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council departed from Beijing by special plane to conduct an official visit to Indonesia and attend the China-GCC-ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.

According to reports from Antara News Agency, on the evening of May 24th local time, Prabowo attended a China-Indonesia business dinner held in Jakarta and delivered a speech. Prabowo praised China's unwavering support for developing countries and its commitment to opposing oppression, imperialism, and colonialism, hoping to further strengthen relations with China in various strategic fields.

In his speech, Prabowo said: "I would like to express my respect to China for always defending the interests of developing countries, opposing oppression, opposing imperialism, opposing colonialism, and opposing racial segregation." He pointed out that China consistently supports the struggle of oppressed nations, which is a form of global solidarity and should be valued as the foundation for establishing fair partnerships in the future.

Prabowo also praised China's position on the Palestinian issue: "Even today, we can still see China's leadership, especially in helping the Palestinian people, which makes us all proud. On behalf of myself and the Indonesian people, I sincerely pay tribute to China's leadership in supporting oppressed peoples around the world."

Screenshot of Indonesian President Prabowo

Regarding the relationship between China and Indonesia, Prabowo stated in his speech: "The first country I officially visited as the President of Indonesia is China because I believe that the relationship between Indonesia and China is a highly strategic, very important, and very promising bilateral relationship."

China is Indonesia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $147.8 billion in 2024, up 6.1% year-on-year. Prabowo pointed out that major projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and nickel industry investments have strengthened Indonesia's national economic foundation. "This trade, investment, and technological relationship proves that we are jointly committed to building a stronger, more prosperous, and more environmentally friendly future for both countries."

Prabowo said that interactions between Indonesia and China should not be limited to the economic aspect but should also include deeper friendship and cross-sector cooperation, hoping to continue strengthening relations with China in various strategic fields. He believes that China and Indonesia can show the world how to achieve common interests and prosperity, rather than one being above and the other below.

Antara News Agency reported that Prabowo reiterated on May 25th that Indonesia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China to create a "peaceful region where everyone is safe." He pointed out that the cooperation reached is beneficial not only to Indonesia and China but also to peace in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.

Prabowo, who previously served as Indonesia's Defense Minister, was elected as Indonesia's president in 2024. At the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore in 2022, when he was still Indonesia's Defense Minister, Prabowo also praised China as a pioneer of anti-imperialist movements. He then pointed out that China is a great civilization influencing the entire Southeast Asia, "We urge countries to respect China's legitimate rise as a great civilized nation."

On May 22nd, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning introduced the arrangements for Premier Li Qiang's Southeast Asian trip at a regular press conference. Mao Ning stated that China and Indonesia are friendly neighbors separated by sea and intimate partners sharing a common destiny. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. The two countries' relations have continued to develop steadily, with fruitful practical cooperation and deep-rooted traditional friendship.

Mao Ning introduced that China looks forward to this visit to promote traditional friendship with Indonesia, deepen unity and collaboration, continuously consolidate the "five pillars" cooperation pattern in politics, economy, culture, maritime affairs, and security, walk together on their respective modernization paths, constantly enrich the contemporary connotation of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future, and make greater contributions to regional and global peace, stability, development, and prosperity.

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Observer Network and cannot be reproduced without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508335368559772169/

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