
Sun May 25 05:32:19 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Indonesia, meeting with President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen trade and investment ties amid global economic uncertainty. Li emphasized China’s economic growth despite challenges and called for international cooperation based on the “Bandung spirit.” Subianto welcomed Chinese investment, highlighting its positive impact on the Indonesian economy. They celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Non-Aligned Movement and discussed the Belt and Road initiative, with Indonesia seeking to increase its role in supplying raw materials for China’s electric vehicle industry.
**News Article:**
**China and Indonesia Forge Closer Trade Ties Amid Global Economic Headwinds**
**Jakarta, Indonesia – May 25, 2025** – Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded a visit to Indonesia today, underscoring a commitment to enhanced trade and investment between the two nations amidst growing global economic uncertainty. The visit, which commenced on Saturday, saw Premier Li meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss strategies for expanding economic cooperation and navigating the challenges of a shifting global landscape.
Speaking at the Indonesia-China Business Reception, attended by a delegation of 60 prominent Chinese business leaders, Premier Li emphasized China’s continued economic growth despite external pressures. He criticized rising unilateralism and protectionism and invoked the spirit of the Non-Aligned Movement, urging countries to seek common ground through dialogue.
President Subianto expressed gratitude for Chinese investment in Indonesia, citing its positive impact on job creation, technology transfer, and overall economic development. He further invited increased Chinese investment, particularly in Indonesia’s role as a supplier of raw materials, like nickel, to China’s burgeoning electric vehicle sector.
Bilateral trade between China and Indonesia exceeded $147.8 billion last year, a 6.1% increase. Premier Li noted that China has been Indonesia’s largest trading partner for nine consecutive years, with significant progress made through the Belt and Road initiative, including the development of nickel smelting plants and the successful operation of the “Whoosh” high-speed railway.
The visit included a welcoming ceremony at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, and Premier Li is scheduled to meet with Indonesian parliament members. He will continue his Southeast Asian tour with a trip to Malaysia, where he and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will address the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Summit, bringing together leaders from Southeast Asian countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council.