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China and Indonesia peacefully rising together (Part 2 of 2)

Expanding and deepening a “convergence of interests” and building “communities of interests” are an all-directional strategic concepts

Zheng Bijian (The Jakarta Post)
Jakarta
Tue, April 22, 2014

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China and Indonesia peacefully rising together (Part 2 of 2)

E

xpanding and deepening a '€œconvergence of interests'€ and building '€œcommunities of interests'€ are an all-directional strategic concepts. In other words, they are by no means exclusive. They involve China and the US, the European Union, Russia, Africa and Latin America, etc.

In short, our goal is to integrate the interest of the Chinese people and the common interest of the rest of the world, expand convergence of interests with all stakeholders in all dimensions, build communities of interests with all relevant countries and regions in different fields, at different levels and with different content and work toward the peaceful development of both China and the rest of the world.

This of course means the peaceful rise of China and other developing countries as a whole, in particular our surrounding developing countries including Indonesia.

This is by no means an expediency or diplomatic rhetoric, but a conclusion drawn from history, reality and objective judgment of the future.

Both China and Indonesia are big developing countries in Asia. China, standing at the east end of the Eurasia Continent, is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic economies in the world.

Indonesia, located at the pivotal position between the Pacific and the Indian oceans and not far from China, is a major political and economic power in Southeast Asia and ASEAN. The Indonesian economy is growing quite fast, with one of the highest growth rates in G20.

Given the extensive common interests between the two countries at bilateral, regional and international levels and the importance of our two countries, there is no reason why we should not cooperate.

In the second decade of this century, China and Indonesia face great opportunities in cooperation and development. In October 2013, during President Xi Jinping'€™s successful visit to Indonesia, our relationship was upgraded to comprehensive strategic partnership, bringing us even closer together.

I suggest that like-minded people in both countries seize this opportunity to work toward the peaceful rise of both countries.

This is based on a profound sense of historical responsibility and a strong sense of mission and a clear and deep understanding of our fundamental interests and real interests.

It is the right time for China and Indonesia to rise peacefully together! First, we have parallel strategic goals. China is working on completing the building of a moderately prosperous society by 2020 when the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates its 100th anniversary, and turning China into a prosperous, democratic, culturally advanced and harmonious socialist modern country by 2050 when we commemorate the anniversary of the People'€™s Republic of China.

In 2011, Indonesia announced its Masterplan for Acceleration and Expansion of  Indonesia Economic Development 2011-2025 (MP3EI), aiming to place itself at the top ten advanced economies in the world by 2025 and one of the world'€™s strongest economic powers by the year 2045 at its 100th anniversary of independence.

Now our two countries share an important platform for developing communities of interests and achieving peaceful rise together, which is the new Silk Road.

Guided by the concept of joint development and common prosperity, China intends to build the 21st century Maritime Silk Road and the new Silk Road Economic Belt with other Asian countries (including Indonesia) and European countries in order to link together the Asian and the European markets, rejuvenate the old silk road and benefit the people of all countries involved.

This important platform for developing communities of interests will become a vehicle to achieve a new type of international relations and bring China and Indonesia more closely together.

The year 2014 is an important threshold in seizing our common opportunities in the second decade of the 21st century. Our two countries must make this year a new starting point to envision and plan important developments in our cooperation in the future.

The China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy (CIIDS) and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) can work together and with other like-minded people (politicians and business leaders) to make forward-looking and feasible plans and designs.

The road map and policy recommendations proposed by CSIS are clear, practical and workable.

I suggest we hold a discussion soon to improve the road map before we submit it to our respective governments.

Here I would like to emphasize that it obviously requires long term effort to build communities of interests and to achieve peaceful rise, and more importantly it requires clear judgment and strategic commitment of the decision makers in both countries.

Because differences and problems will naturally arise and there will be disturbance and pressure from the outside, but I am convinced that as long as we are clear about the fundamental and long term interests of our two countries and are committed to the goal of attaining peaceful rise together, we will have the wisdom to address the differences and problems. We must stay committed and remain undisturbed.

I believe that in the great historical process of peaceful rise of China and the surrounding countries and regions offer many opportunities.

There is solid and deep foundation for China to develop '€œconvergence of interests'€ and build '€œcommunities of interests'€ with all relevant countries and regions including Indonesia.

Our two countries face a great prospect of peaceful rise together. Besides what I said about '€œgreat changes, new awakening and duality'€, I would also like to add that the future is bright, and the real great developments have yet to come.

Both China and Indonesia have suffered miserably in history. We have not come to be what we are today easily. Now with the right conditions and possibilities, there is no reason why should not work together for our peaceful rise.

There is absolutely no reason for us to compromise the prospect of our cooperation just because of some trivial and local problems.

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The writer has been an advisor to China'€™s leadership. He is head of the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy (CIIDS). This article is an excerpt of his presentation at a recent discussion at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Jakarta.

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