JAKARTA: Chinese Premier Li Qiang warned on Sunday that the rise of “unilateralism and protectionism” could threaten the global economic and trade order, as he reaffirmed Beijing’s ties with Jakarta on Sunday during his visit to Indonesia ahead of a regional summit in Kuala Lumpur.
“Unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise globally, posing a serious threat to international economic and trade order,” Li told Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, according to Xinhua state news agency.
“In the face of these risks, unity and cooperation are the only viable path forward.” Beijing and Jakarta are key economic allies.
Li said Beijing was keen to further advance cooperation with Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
“China is ready to work with Indonesia and other developing countries to… uphold multilateralism and free trade, and advance a multipolar world and inclusive globalisation,” Li said.
Prabowo also lauded Indonesia’s “close and good” friendship with China.
“Indonesia is ready to create a safe and prosperous region. Indonesia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China for us to create a peaceful region, which is safe for all,” the Indonesian leader said.
Prabowo and Li oversaw the signings of several agreements, pledging closer cooperation in areas including economic development and finance.
The presidential palace later announced that eight other agreements were signed in sectors covering tourism, health, investment and media.
The Chinese premier is headed next to Malaysia for an ASEAN summit between members of the 10-country bloc, China and oil-producing countries.
Prabowo had visited Beijing last year, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping told him that he hoped for a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.
While addressing the Indonesia-China Business Reception 2025, Li Qiang on Saturday urged China and Indonesia to make the pie of cooperation bigger, strengthen industrial integration and safeguard free trade, Xinhua reported.
Amid global discord and confrontation, China and Indonesia, together with other Asian and African nations, gathered in Bandung and forged the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, which has played a pivotal role in advancing South-South cooperation and steering the world toward positive development, Li said.
He called on both sides to follow the general trend of historical progress, adhere to seeking common ground while reserving differences and peaceful coexistence, resolve differences through consultation, promote win-win results through cooperation, and achieve development and prosperity through joint construction and shared benefits. – Agencies
