Jakarta (ANTARA) – China’s ambassador to ASEAN, Wang Qing, said Indonesia could serve as an anchor for strengthening China-ASEAN ties, citing its key role within the Southeast Asian bloc.
“Indonesia is an anchor for ASEAN. I think Indonesia can also play the role of anchor on China-ASEAN partnership. So that’s my hope and I think I’m also confident about that,” Wang told reporters in Jakarta on Thursday.
Wang said Indonesia was among China’s most important ASEAN partners, citing major projects as examples of deepening bilateral cooperation.
He highlighted the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” (TCTP) initiative, a framework to promote investment, trade and industrial development between the two countries.
“Indonesia is one of the most important partners in ASEAN countries with China. And we have seen so many important projects here,” he said, citing the high-speed railway and TCTP.
Wang said China hoped its ties with Indonesia could provide an example of South-South cooperation while helping strengthen China-ASEAN relations.
China and Indonesia also held a 2+2 consultation last month as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation, he said.
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China and ASEAN have expanded cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, digital economy and people-to-people exchanges since establishing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2021.
China-ASEAN trade reached US$1.05 trillion in 2025, up 7.4 percent from a year earlier, according to Chinese government data.
Two-way trade between ASEAN and China reached US$913 billion in 2025, according to preliminary ASEAN statistics, while China was ASEAN’s largest trading partner.
Bilateral trade between Indonesia and China rose 13.2 percent in 2025, with both exports and imports increasing amid stronger economic ties.
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) said total trade with China reached US$154.58 billion in 2025, comprising US$67.04 billion in exports and US$87.54 billion in imports.
Exports to China rose 6.9 percent, while imports increased 18.53 percent in 2025, BPS data showed.
China remained Indonesia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 23.7 percent of its exports and 36.2 percent of its imports in 2025, BPS said.
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Reporter: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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