Indonesia's Prabowo lauds China's anti-colonialism record as Jakarta, Beijing deepen ties
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto has lauded China's long-standing support for anti-colonial struggles and developing nations, calling Beijing a key partner in the pursuit of a 'safe and prosperous region' as Jakarta moves to deepen strategic and economic ties with the Asian superpower.
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While hosting Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Jakarta on Saturday, Prabowo praised China's record of standing up to imperialism and its backing of Palestinian statehood – an issue that resonates deeply in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.
'I would like to express my respect to China, which has consistently defended the interests of developing countries … fighting oppression, imperialism, colonialism and apartheid,' Prabowo said. 'China defends the liberation struggles in countries that are still oppressed by imperialism and colonialism.'
China had supported liberation movements even during its own nation-building phase and continued to do so today, he said, citing Beijing's 'leadership, especially in defending the Palestinian people' as 'a source of pride for all of us'.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the presidential palace in Jakarta on May 25. Photo: Xinhua
Indonesia has long advocated for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestinian conflict and has grown increasingly vocal as civilian casualties in Gaza mount.
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