BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian leader Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, held a meeting in Chengdu, China, to bolster ties between the two nations. During the meeting, Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy, opposing any independence for Taiwan, according to a readout from China’s state-run CCTV on Thursday.
Jokowi expressed Indonesia’s willingness to enhance cooperation in various areas, including investment and food security, and to further promote the comprehensive strategic partnership with China. The leaders met during Jokowi’s two-day visit to Chengdu, ahead of the World University Games.
China and Indonesia share a high degree of compatibility and mutual development opportunities, as described by President Xi. He emphasized that the two countries are like-minded partners and offered China’s support for Indonesia’s development of its new capital city. Xi also expressed China’s willingness to expand cooperation in new energy vehicles and smart cities.
China’s Investment in Indonesia
China is currently the second-largest investor in Indonesia, after Singapore, with an investment of $8.2 billion in 2022, primarily focused on developing Indonesia’s nickel industry. Indonesia aims to attract overseas investors, including Chinese companies, to establish battery and electric-vehicle plants.
Ahead of the meeting, Jokowi stated that discussions would include investments, trade, and several strategic projects between the two nations. This may involve the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which is set to begin public trials next month.
Jokowi also indicated that he would raise the issue of the South China Sea, where Indonesia has maritime border disputes with China. The meeting in Chengdu marks their most recent face-to-face encounter since November, on the sidelines of the Group of 20 gathering in Bali.
