On 30 July, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi via video link.
Wang noted that the global spread of COVID-19 has placed people's health in jeopardy, battered the world economy, and threatened global stability. It is a common challenge for the international community.
In fighting COVID-19, China and Indonesia have come to each other's assistance, stood together to overcome the difficulties, and mounted an effective response to the virus. In this process, the two countries have deepened mutual political trust, renewed traditional friendship, and further cemented the foundation of the bilateral relations.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Indonesia diplomatic ties, and an important juncture for renewing the bilateral relations. The two sides need to draw on past successes and jointly chart the course for future cooperation.
Wang pointed out that in the first half of this year, Chinese investment in Indonesia increased significantly despite the impact of COVID-19. Bilateral trade was generally on a par with that in the same period of last year, defying sluggish global demand. These facts speak volumes about the strong complementarity, great vitality and huge potential in China-Indonesia cooperation.
As COVID-19 response becomes the new normal, China and Indonesia should focus on battling COVID-19 and promoting development as the twin priorities in bilateral cooperation. The two sides need to advance cooperation on vaccine R&D and production of medicine and medical equipment; enhance synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the vision of Global Maritime Fulcrum; ensure the smooth implementation of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and other key projects; and reach an early agreement on the "fast track" arrangement for the travel of personnel to facilitate business reopening and economic recovery.
Indonesia is welcome to participate in the third China International Import Expo. China supports scaling up bilateral currency swap, and expanding cooperation in digital economy and other emerging areas to lend stronger impetus to post-COVID-19 growth in both countries.
Viruses make no distinction between nationalities or races, and global public health emergencies require stronger international cooperation. Both being populous countries, China and Indonesia must work together to advance a global community of health for all.
Wang said that the South China Sea is not an arena for geopolitics, nor a boxing ring where big countries compete. Instead, it should be a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation. This is in line with the shared interests of all parties and the common aspiration of regional countries.
China will work with ASEAN countries to continue implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) fully and effectively, speed up consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea (COC), properly handle differences through close communication, keep to the theme of friendship and cooperation, and jointly safeguard lasting peace and stability of the region.
Wang stressed that facing once-in-a-century shifts and a global pandemic, the world requires more inclusive global governance, more effective multilateral mechanisms and more vigorous regional cooperation.
Yet, as the only superpower in the world, the US places its own interests above all else, and has been withdrawing from international organizations and treaties. It is not only abandoning its own international responsibilities and duties, but also imposing unilateral sanctions on other countries without any legal basis in international law. The US has become the most detrimental factor in international relations.
Wang underscored that all countries, regardless of their size and wealth, should be equal and enjoy the right to development. No country is entitled to pursuing its own self-interest at the expense of other countries' legitimate rights and interests.
Provoking ideology-based confrontation or coercing other countries to take sides is not a normal action in international relations, still less the right approach in state-to-state interaction. The international community must come together to safeguard fairness and justice, defend international laws and rules, uphold multilateralism and reject acts of bullying.
Retno said that over the 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Indonesia-China cooperation has grown from strength to strength and delivered benefits to both peoples.
Indonesia highly appreciates China's supplies assistance in fighting COVID-19. It attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with China and other key partners to tackle the impact of COVID-19 and the downward pressure on the economy, and advance key projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, including the Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway.
Indonesia is ready to set up a bilateral travel corridor as soon as possible to facilitate economic recovery in both countries. Indonesia welcomes Chinese investors, and stands ready to work with China to ensure the smooth operation of the global industrial and supply chains.
Peace and stability in the South China Sea is of vital importance for countries in the region. Indonesia does not want to see the Asia-Pacific being dragged into a "new cold war". It will work with China and other countries to uphold security, stability and prosperity of the region.
