Prabowo bolsters strategic ties with China during Beijing visit

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence in a statement, Prabowo expressed his hope during the meeting to progressively implement the comprehensive strategic partnership between Indonesia and China.

"In terms of defence cooperation, I see China as one of the key partners in ensuring regional peace and stability," he said, according to the statement.

The ministry stated that Prabowo is committed to meeting the defence equipment needs of Indonesia, including enhancing cooperation between defence industries and productive dialogue, as well as cooperation between service branches.

Meanwhile, Xi expressed China's commitment to enhancing comprehensive strategic cooperation with Indonesia in a warm and friendly meeting.

"This demonstrates China's willingness to strengthen bilateral relations with Indonesia in various fields, including defence, economy, and security," the ministry said.

Xi emphasised China's willingness to make a positive contribution to maintaining regional and global peace and stability, and stressed the importance of both countries cooperating to maintain maritime security in the Southeast Asian region.

China is willing to enhance maritime cooperation with Indonesia in the naval field and is committed to assisting ASEAN in reducing poverty, while demonstrating China's active role in supporting development and prosperity, according to the statement.

Xi also congratulated Prabowo on being elected as the president-elect in the 2024 Presidential Election, and conveyed his regards to President Joko Widodo.

Prabowo also posted a picture of their meeting on his Instagram account with the statement: "It is an honour to receive an invitation and be directly welcomed by President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China."

He and the ministry delegation arrived in Beijing on Sunday, and are scheduled to meet with Premier Li Qiang and China's Defence Minister Dong Jun today.