Indonesia encourages ASEAN-China partnership to be able to maintain peace and protect the region from global uncertainty

ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) with China in Manila. (Okta/Infomed/Kemlu RI)

JAKARTA - Indonesia encourages ASEAN partnership with China to be able to support peace and protect the region from the impact of increasing rivalry and global uncertainty that is currently occurring.

This was said by the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) with China, which was attended by Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila, Wednesday. On this occasion, the Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the ASEAN trade with the Bamboo Curtain State in 2024 reaching 772.4 billion US dollars or around Rp. 13,838,318,400,000,000.

However, in addition to strengthening trade by optimizing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0, the ASEAN-China partnership is also considered to be able to protect the region.

"Indonesia encourages the ASEAN-China partnership to be able to protect the region from the impact of global uncertainty," the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, as quoted by Thursday (23/7).

Furthermore, it is said, amid increasing rivalry, the ASEAN Centrality needs to continue to be the foundation of regional stability, with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) as a guideline for inclusive, transparent, and rule-based cooperation.

This approach must also be reflected in maritime cooperation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Sugiono emphasized that the waters of the region are the main trade routes, community connectivity, as well as energy and food security.

In this regard, Indonesia again encourages the completion of the Code of Conduct (CoC) in the South China Sea that is effective and substantive this year and based on international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.

"Areas that are regulated by law will always be stronger than areas that are regulated by force," Foreign Minister Sugiono explained during the 59th Meeting of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers (AMM) Plenary Session in Manila on Tuesday.

"Our people have been waiting for 24 years for the rules in the sea. They should not wait another year," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

A strong CoC will demonstrate the ability of regional countries to maintain stability and determine their own future. The ASEAN-China partnership must therefore be not only a driver of growth, but also a supporter of regional peace.