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New Chinese envoy to Indonesia begins term
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Then-spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Lu Kang speaks during a briefing in Beijing on March 28, 2018. (AFP/Greg Baker)
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ew Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Lu Kang, has begun his tenure in Jakarta after submitting his letter of credence to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo last Wednesday.
The 53-year-old career diplomat arrived in the Southeast Asian country late last month, at a time when rivalry between China and the United States becomes more intensified in the Indo-Pacific region.
Indonesia, however, continues to maintain its neutrality, with Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi pledging to work within the framework of ASEAN as the primary conduit for the country's diplomacy.
Formerly head of the department for North American affairs at China’s Foreign Ministry, Lu has an extensive portfolio including being the ministry’s spokesperson from 2015 to 2019, as well as several postings in North America and Europe.
He met with Minister Retno on Friday, when they discussed various bilateral issues, including how China would “work with ASEAN on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” according to a statement published on the Chinese Embassy website.
“Indonesia is an important ASEAN member and a major developing country, with increasing influence in international and regional affairs,” Lu said upon arrival in Jakarta on Feb. 22, as quoted in a press release from the embassy. “Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Joko Widodo, the China-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has witnessed fast and steady development.”
Lu also said China would support Indonesia in hosting the G20 summit this year.
Situated in the eye of the storm and bordering both the Indian and Pacific oceans with the South China Sea at its doorstep, Indonesia has consistently been pushing ASEAN to have a say in shaping the regional order and promoting an open, transparent and inclusive regional architecture based on international law. Unlike other countries, Indonesia did not shy away from embracing China.
