Indonesian FM begins China visit following series of high-level interactions

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi began a three-day visit to China on Thursday, following numerous high-level interactions between the two nations. 

Chines Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that "under the strategic guidance of the presidents of the two countries, China-Indonesia relations have maintained a momentum of robust growth, with close high-level exchanges, deepening strategic mutual trust."

"Next year marks the 80th anniversary of Indonesia's independence and the 75th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties. This presents important opportunities for our two countries' respective growth and bilateral relations," Mao said. 

"China stands ready to work with Indonesia, follow the strategic guidance of the two presidents, focus on building a community with a shared future, and keep deepening strategic cooperation on all fronts," Mao said.

Retno's visit follows the first Senior Officials' Meeting of the China-Indonesia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue in Jakarta on August 13. It also continues recent high-level interactions between the two countries aimed at enhancing coordination, boosting political and security trust, and advancing a China-Indonesia community with a shared future, analysts said. 

Ge Hongliang, vice dean of the ASEAN College at the Guangxi Minzu University, said while ASEAN prioritizes infrastructure connectivity and economic recovery this year, Indonesia, as a leading ASEAN member and one that supports China-ASEAN cooperation, will also address industrial chain stability and regional security. 

China and Indonesia have established a comprehensive high-level mechanism covering various areas, including people-to-people exchanges, economy, politics, defense, and security, said Ge, stressing that this framework deepens understanding and strengthens their bilateral relations, ensuring stable and long-term development.