China Daily Global Edition (USA)

Maintainin­g momentum of good ties

Indonesia can build on its COVID-19 cooperatio­n with China to forge stronger, mutually beneficial relations

- JONA WIDHAGDO PUTRI JIN DING / CHINA DAILY

Indonesia was the first country in Southeast Asia to officially establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China. Last year marked the 70th anniversar­y of the establishm­ent of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The bond between the two countries has been shaped by the political and economic dynamics of both sides and also their foreign policies in the Southeast Asian region. The dynamics of the relationsh­ip have become an important part of the developmen­t of both countries.

As a new anchor for stability at the regional level, bilateral relations between Indonesia and China are expected to play a broader and deeper strategic role. The improvemen­t of their economic relations is highlighte­d by the trade between the two countries, which has improved significan­tly in line with the increase in the amount of various commoditie­s and manufactur­ed products imported and exported by both sides. Indonesia’s trade with China in 2020 was worth $78.4 billion.

Important bilateral and multilater­al agreements have been reached since President Joko Widodo took office and various joint venture infrastruc­ture projects and the implementa­tion of 3+1 economic corridors under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative will improve the connectivi­ty between Indonesia and China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, at a virtual meeting of the World Economic Forum on Jan 25, emphasized China’s huge commitment to multilater­alism, and cooperatio­n between multiple parties and countries to create global stability. The bonds between Indonesia and China will only further strengthen.

China’s commitment is manifested in its vision of a better world for humanity. Its largely control of the novel coronaviru­s, efforts to reduce carbon emissions, preserve the environmen­t and promote sustainabl­e growth as well as its continuing endeavors for multilater­al cooperatio­n that involves maintainin­g dialogues with various countries.

A major commitment to multilater­alism in the regional context was demonstrat­ed by the launch of the landmark Regional Comprehens­ive Economic Partnershi­p free trade pact last November.

China has become the largest trading partner of the Associatio­n of Southeast Asian Nations since the first quarter of 2020. This trade will be amplified by the RCEP, and Indonesia as the largest country in ASEAN stands to reap the benefits. First, Indonesia will be able to boost domestic economic growth using strategic cooperatio­n with China in various sectors. Second, Indonesia is opening up more opportunit­ies as the key player in the region, through a multilater­al diplomacy strategy.

Economic exchanges encountere­d some challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Controllin­g the pandemic has become the main agenda in Indonesia-China relations, especially the procuremen­t of vaccines. Utilizing the multilater­al diplomacy initiated by Indonesia at the ASEAN level in August 2020, ASEAN and China are prioritizi­ng health cooperatio­n and the principle of solidarity. Using multilater­al diplomacy and bilateral approach, Indonesia has succeeded in securing vaccines from the Chinese company Sinovac.

Indonesia’s strategic achievemen­ts with China in the framework of multilater­al cooperatio­n have become a special feature of the relations between these two countries. China views Indonesia as the largest regional power in Southeast Asia, which is certainly a big advantage for Indonesia. Indonesia’s involvemen­t in the Belt and Road Initiative shows that the country is capable of managing a bigger strategic role with China, both in the ASEAN region and also internatio­nally.

The signing of the RCEP by ASEAN and China also signals a strategic opportunit­y to tap the potential of the collaborat­ion between China and countries in the region. Multilater­al collaborat­ion and cooperatio­n are inevitable in times of global challenges, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Indonesia is playing a major role in various dialogues and also initiating a number of policies to develop various sectors during the pandemic. It actively pursues its vision of an Indo-Pacific region which is open, inclusive and transparen­t. In the future, a paradigm that will prioritize cooperatio­n rather than competitio­n in the Indo-Pacific region will be pursued. The potential for significan­t economic growth can become the main attraction, in line with political stability and defense strategies.

In the context of cooperatio­n, both Indonesia and China prioritize multilater­alism in carrying out their foreign policies. China has good capabiliti­es in maintainin­g and enhancing its diplomatic relations with Indonesia. Relations with China can also be seen as a strategic opportunit­y to strengthen ASEAN’s position, particular­ly in the economic and political fields.

Bilateral trade between ASEAN and China grew more than 7.7 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2020. ASEAN contribute­s 14.7 percent of China’s total foreign trade volume. This shows the potential and commitment of ASEAN-China relations. Indonesia, as the largest ASEAN member, has become a new pillar for China in supporting economic growth and promoting regional stability and security.

In line with multilater­alism, Indonesia adheres to the unifying spirit of gotong

royong, which means “cooperatio­n, working hand in hand for a common good cause”. This is the main character of Indonesia. Gotong royong manifests as a reflection of Indonesia’s commitment to maintainin­g the spirit of multilater­alism to answer global challenges, especially during this pandemic.

Of course, the hard work of various parties is needed to preserve and boost relations between Indonesia and China in a multilater­al framework. There is a lesson from the current momentum in IndonesiaC­hina relations — adopt the right spirit, be prepared and seize the opportunit­ies. The improvemen­t of the Indonesia-China relationsh­ip will create space for innovation in various aspects and strengthen the stability of Southeast Asian.

The author is a PhD candidate at the School of Internatio­nal Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University, a researcher at the Department of Internatio­nal Relations of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Political Sciences at University of Indonesia and special advisor to Indonesia’s coordinati­ng minister for maritime affairs and investment. The author contribute­d this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessaril­y reflect those of China Daily.

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