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Xi’s enduring reign could be a boon, but Indonesia must beware
The reappointment of Xi Jinping as Chinese president has garnered praise from the country’s international beneficiaries, not least from Indonesia, which analysts believe would stand to gain from the strongman’s continued reign over China.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping is applauded as he arrives for the fourth plenary session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 11. GREG BAKER/Pool via REUTERS (Reuters/POOL)
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hina’s reappointment of Xi Jinping as president and its surprise diplomatic salvo to broker peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia has garnered praise from the country’s international beneficiaries, not least from Indonesia, which analysts believe would stand to gain from the Chinese strongman’s continued reign.
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was quick to congratulate Xi on his record third appointment on Friday, taking to Twitter to heap praise on the leader of one of Indonesia’s top economic partners and express the his eagerness to continue cooperating with Beijing.
“As […] strategic partners, let us continue to further strengthen our cooperation for the prosperity of both countries & continue our contribution for regional peace and stability,” Jokowi tweeted on Saturday.
The Indonesian leader also congratulated Xi’s close ally, 63-year-old Li Qiang, who was appointed the new Chinese premier, effectively giving him responsibility for managing Beijing’s economy and relevant partnerships. Li replaces Jakarta’s previous point of contact with Beijing, Li Keqiang.
“I look forward to working closely with you in enhancing our long-standing friendship and cooperation for the benefit of our two peoples as well as the region and beyond,” Jokowi tweeted, addressing Li.
Xi’s third term as Beijing’s number one man was evidence of both his domestic and global power, Indonesian analysts said on Monday, noting that his vigorous disposition would continue to offer opportunities and challenges for the world.
For Indonesia in particular, which has cooperated closely with China in economic projects, Xi’s enduring reign could be good news, although the experts also warned that neutrality remained the best policy.
