On 7 March 2022, a press conference was held via video link on the margins of the Fifth Session of the 13th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People, during which State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered questions from Indonesian media about China-Indonesia relations.
ANTARA News Agency: How do you see the future of China-Indonesia bilateral relationship? This year, Indonesia holds the presidency of the G20. How will China support Indonesia in carrying out the work of its presidency?
Wang Yi: China and Indonesia are both major developing countries and emerging economies. The two countries have extensive common interests and significant development potential. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, the China-Indonesia relationship has set an example of mutually beneficial cooperation between countries in the region and a model of strength through unity between developing countries.
In the fight against COVID-19, China was among the first to send assistance to Indonesia and work with Indonesia on vaccine and drug development. So far, China has provided 290 million doses of vaccines to Indonesia, more than any other country. China’s BRI and Indonesia’s Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridor have formed deep synergy. Trade between the two countries grew nearly 60 percent year-on-year in 2021. The two sides have successfully launched a high-level dialogue cooperation mechanism and formed a new pattern of “four-wheel drive” cooperation covering political, economic, cultural and maritime aspects.
Going forward, China will deepen cooperation with Indonesia on a complete vaccine production chain to help create a vaccine production hub and jointly build for the region a health shield against COVID-19. China will work for the early completion and operation of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway to further boost Indonesia’s post-COVID development and the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
This year, Indonesia will host the G20 summit. China is ready to provide active support and facilitation. Under the theme of “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”, we will advance cooperation in such fields as innovation, digitalization, green development and health, and uphold the interests of EMDCs, so that the G20 could make greater contribution to world economic recovery and better global governance.
