Indonesia, China agree to bolster ties ahead of ASEAN summit
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Chinese Premier Li Qiang warns against unilateralism during his Indonesia visit, as Beijing and Jakarta sign new agreements to boost cooperation in trade, finance, and tourism.
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Chinese Premier Li Qiang, right, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, inspect the honor guard during the welcoming ceremony ahead of their meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on May 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned on Sunday that the rise of "unilateralism and protectionism" poses a significant threat to the global economic and trade order. His remarks came during an official visit to Indonesia, where he met with President Prabowo Subianto ahead of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur.
"Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise globally, posing a serious threat to the international economic and trade order," Li said, according to China’s Xinhua news agency, adding that "In the face of these risks, unity and cooperation are the only viable path forward."
The visit underlined the importance of China-Indonesia economic cooperation, particularly as both nations navigate shifting geopolitical and trade dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
During their talks, Li and Prabowo reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, adding that the leaders oversaw the signing of several agreements covering cooperation in economic development, finance, tourism, health, investment, and media.
"China is ready to work with Indonesia and other developing countries to uphold multilateralism and free trade, and advance a multipolar world and inclusive globalisation," Li said.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has seen a surge in Chinese investment, particularly in the nickel and mineral sectors critical to green technologies.
Prabowo praised the "close and good" friendship between the two countries, adding that "Indonesia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China for us to create a peaceful region, which is safe for all."
The agreements mark a continuation of efforts to deepen China-Indonesia trade ties, following Prabowo’s visit to Beijing last year, when Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed hope for a “new chapter” in relations.
South China Sea disputes still linger
Despite warming economic ties, unresolved maritime disputes continue to test the relationship. The two countries have had repeated verbal clashes over overlapping claims in the South China Sea, particularly in the North Natuna Sea region, which Jakarta asserts as part of Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone.
Premier Li is scheduled to travel to Malaysia for a high-level ASEAN summit, which will bring together representatives from the 10-member bloc, China, and oil-producing countries. His tour comes at a critical time as Southeast Asian nations balance economic interests with rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
The summit is expected to address regional trade dynamics, maritime security, and expanded cooperation between ASEAN and China, building on diplomatic momentum generated by Li’s meetings in Jakarta.
