Indonesia, China agree to bolster ties ahead of Asean summit

JAKARTA: Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned on Sunday that the rise of “unilateralism and protectionism” could threaten the global economic and trade order, as he reaffirmed Beijing´s ties with Jakarta on Sunday during his visit to Indonesia ahead of a regional summit in Kuala Lumpur.

“Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise globally, posing a serious threat to international economic and trade order,” Li told Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, according to Xinhua state news agency.

“In the face of these risks, unity and cooperation are the only viable path forward.” Beijing and Jakarta are key economic allies, with Chinese companies pouring capital into extracting Indonesian natural resources in recent years, particularly in the nickel sector.

But the two countries´ disputed claims into the strategic waterways of the South China Sea and its nearby territories have weighed on their relationship in recent years. Li said Beijing was keen to further advance cooperation with Southeast Asia´s largest economy. “China is ready to work with Indonesia and other developing countries to... uphold multilateralism and free trade, and advance a multipolar world and inclusive globalisation,” Li said.