Sat Nov 09 12:34:01 UTC 2024: ## China and Indonesia Seek “New Chapter” in Relations Amidst Territorial Disputes
**Beijing, November 9, 2024:** Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met in Beijing on Saturday, marking the first stop of Prabowo’s inaugural foreign tour since taking office in October. Xi expressed hopes for a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, highlighting China’s desire to work with Indonesia as “major developing countries” for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Both countries are key economic partners, with Chinese companies heavily investing in Indonesian natural resources, particularly nickel. However, tensions have arisen due to overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Despite these challenges, Prabowo emphasized the strengthening relationship between the two nations. He reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to working with China for the prosperity and stability of Asia.
Following their discussions, officials from both countries signed agreements on maritime safety and water resource cooperation. Prabowo, who arrived in China on Friday, will also meet Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji during his visit, which concludes on Sunday.
Prabowo’s trip to China precedes a visit to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden. He has committed to upholding Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy while pursuing a more active role on the global stage.
Recent confrontations over Chinese vessels entering Indonesian waters have strained the relationship between the two countries. In 2020, Indonesia deployed fighter jets and warships to patrol around the Natuna Islands after Chinese vessels entered the area. Last month, Indonesia reported pushing back Chinese coast guard ships from disputed waters in the South China Sea on three separate occasions.
Indonesia maintains its commitment to protecting its waters and economy from foreign fishing activities, which are estimated to cost the nation billions of dollars annually. The South China Sea holds substantial, albeit contested, oil and gas deposits.
China’s assertive expansion in the disputed waters, disregarding an international ruling that its claims lack legal basis, has been a source of tension in the region. Beijing has constructed artificial islands, deployed armed vessels, and undertaken activities perceived as harassment by neighbouring nations.
Prabowo’s proactive stance on territorial defense and his pledge to be bolder on foreign policy than his predecessor, Joko Widodo, mark a shift in Indonesia’s approach. The meeting with Xi Jinping, amidst the backdrop of territorial disputes, will be closely watched as an indicator of the future trajectory of relations between the two countries.
First Piper 