Indonesia, China, and the Asean-China Partnership

Abstract

Since the normalization of bilateral diplomatic ties in 1990, Indonesia and China are presently enjoying their highest level of interaction and cooperation. The economic reform and growing global influence of the Chinese has over the years drawn the attention of many countries, including Indonesia. At the same time, as Indonesia's economy grows and its influence in ASEAN becomes more visible, the Chinese are seeing considerable advantage in engaging the Indonesians. And now, with ASEAN, as a community, aiming to play a bigger role in addressing regional and global issues, the interest in Southeast Asia's largest and most populated country is becoming undeniable. At the same time, there remain questions with regards to how cooperation between Indonesia and China could in any way enhance the China-ASEAN Partnership. While bilateral Indonesia-China Relations have indeed been positive, this relationship is not without its difficulties, both emanating from past as well as more recent grievances. How would this transpire into the two countries' interactions at the regional level? What potential can we see. evolving in the relationship between these two very influential countries, especially in moving the ASEAN-China Partnership towards ensuring greater peace, stability, and prosperity in the region?