Politics
13:38, 07-May-2018
China, Indonesia vow to promote peace in South China Sea region
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China and Indonesia have vowed to work together to promote regional peace and stability in the South China Sea region, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday during the welcome ceremony for his visit to the Southeast Asian nation.
A code of conduct in the South China Sea is currently under discussion between China and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries, with its framework already passed last May during the Senior Officials' Meeting on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
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Li's 3-day visit takes place as this year marks the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership and the 15th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and the ASEAN.
Li and Indonesian President Joko Widodo witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements on trade between the two countries.
Li mentioned during his speech at the ceremony in the presidential palace in Bogor that China is aiming to expand imports from Indonesia, specifically in areas like tropical fruit and Islamic food and apparel. China, he said, is hoping to create more job opportunities for local people, which in turn bring benefits to both countries.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets Indonesian President Joko Widodo on May 7, 2018, in Jakarta. /Photo by Gov.cn
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets Indonesian President Joko Widodo on May 7, 2018, in Jakarta. /Photo by Gov.cn
He added that more cooperation should be carried out with mutual trust and respect in accordance with values that China has been long followed.
Indonesia is the first stop on Li's first overseas trip since China's new cabinet took office in March.
During his visit, he will also hold talks with Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla and attend a China-Indonesia business summit.
The Chinese premier will visit the ASEAN Secretariat to underscore China's commitment to its relations with the 10-member community, meet with ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi, and attend celebration activities for the anniversary.
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