T

he rising power of China is on the world’s mind as its rapid economic growth continues, but Wednesday’s events at the JW Marriott Hotel marking the beginning of “Experience China” in Indonesia communicated that the nation’s commitments to ASEAN remained strong in spite of all its successes.

The ceremony, titled “A forum in commemoration of the 20th anniversary marking dialogue relations between China and ASEAN: Retrospect and vision” was attended by major players in the relations between the two areas, with speakers ranging from ambassadors to directors and scholars.

Makarin Wibisono, executive director of ASEAN Foundation, reminded the audience of the importance history has played in this relationship.

He stated that since the inception of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in 2003, the two-way trade between the two sides has increased in average of 26 percent annually, from US$59 billion to $196 billion, with an exception after 2008 due to the global financial crisis.

China is now ASEAN’s largest trading partner with an 11 percent stake of all trade, and this promises to continue due to China’s commitment to increase overall trade to $500 billion by 2015, Makarim said.

China’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Tong Xiaoling, reflected upon China’s support for the organization over the past 20 years, and said the relationship, based on mutual trust and respect, would continue to blossom into the future, quoting “A friend in need is a friend indeed” to summarize the relations.

Indonesia’s permanent representative to ASEAN, Ngurah Swajaya, expressed belief that built-up trust between the two sides would continue to play an important role in resolving tension, including the South China Sea row, in a peaceful manner, adding that peace and stability should remain in the region, even in trying times.

However, not all speakers held this positive outlook. Dewi Fortuna Anwar, deputy for political affairs of the Secretary of the Vice President said, “We have noted an increase in defense spending over all involved countries in the region, and the most noticeable increase has been in China’s military buildup.”

Dewi said that while ASEAN members involved in South China Sea issues were attempting to deal with it on a regional level, China was attempting to deal with it bilaterally.

“A worsening dispute in the South China Sea, will undoubtedly damage the good relations between ASEAN and China,” she added.

While most of the event was focused on political and economic developments in regions, important social aspects were also acknowledged before the close of the forum.

Wang Zhongwei, deputy director of the State Council Information Office (SCIO), presented a collection of books to the University of Indonesia and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on behalf of the Chinese government in order to promote understanding through the learning of culture.

“Experience China” is composed of a month-long series of events held throughout Indonesia to commemorate the 20th anniversary of dialogue relations between the two regions and promote “peace, friendship and mutual trust”.