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Chinese experts optimistic about RI-China ties despite looming poll
In a discussion series organized by the Jakarta-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and a number of prominent China-based think tanks, Chinese analysts and experts have expressed optimism that ties between China and the United States could improve soon and that the country’s relationship with ASEAN and especially with Indonesia could remain a bright spot in the increasingly turbulent region.
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (second left) and First Lady Iriana (left) pose on July 27, 2023, with Chinese President Xi Jinping (second right) and First Lady Peng Liyuan in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China. Jokowi's visit to China at the invitation of President Xi coincided with the 10th anniversary of the two countries’ strategic partnership. (Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau/Laily Rachev)
A
s world politics become increasingly volatile, China is expecting that Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be an anchor of stability in the region.
In a discussion series organized by the Jakarta-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and a number of prominent China-based think tanks, Chinese analysts and experts have expressed optimism that ties between China and the United States could improve soon and that the country’s relationship with ASEAN and especially with Indonesia could remain a bright spot in the increasingly turbulent region.
The China-based think tanks included the Beijing-based Center for International Security and Strategy Tsinghua University (CIIS) and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS).
Some of the top analysts said that China and ASEAN countries shared many common interests, including regional stability and economic goals, as well as common cultural ties, and are therefore willing to set aside their differences.
With regards to Indonesia, strong ties in trade, investment and infrastructure projects, especially following the inauguration of the Whoosh high speed railway (HSR), would be very difficult to undo even if the winner of next year’s presidential election holds unfavorable views of China.
“Despite the election, we’re convinced that the relationship will continue to be good and we believe that the relationship will not be politicized,” a Chinese scholar specializing on Southeast Asia said.
Some of the China-based foreign policy analysts were also convinced that the ties with Indonesia and ASEAN would get fresh urgency with the prospect of domestic political change in the US, with the possible election of former president Donald Trump.
