On the evening of 31 August, President Xi Jinping spoke with Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on the phone.

Noting their large populations, Xi pointed out that China and Indonesia both face a formidable task of combating COVID-19. Both countries have put people’s lives front at the centre and made all out efforts to contain the virus. China is fully confident about Indonesia’s eventual victory over COVID-19 and will continue its firm support by providing supplies and technical assistance to the best of its ability and sharing containment and treatment experience with Indonesia.

Xi hailed Indonesia as a friendly neighbor and an important partner. China takes seriously Indonesia’s concerns and needs in vaccine cooperation. The active vaccine cooperation between the two countries has become a new bright spot in their cooperation against COVID-19. China supports cooperation between Chinese and Indonesian businesses in vaccine R&D, procurement, and production as part of their contribution to the accessibility and affordability of vaccines in the two countries and beyond. Together, China and Indonesia will continue to stand in solidarity against COVID-19 and work together to build a community of health for all.

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Xi stressed that, given the long-term challenge of containing COVID-19, to achieve economic recovery and growth has become a common priority for all countries. China will continue to deepen reform, pursue opening-up at a higher level in all respects, and create a new development pattern where domestic and foreign markets can boost each other. Such efforts will provide more market opportunities for all countries in the world.

In the first half of this year, China’s investment in Indonesia and Indonesia’s export to China both increased despite COVID-19. This is a testament to the solid foundation and strong momentum of cooperation between the two countries. China will work with Indonesia to enhance synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the vision of Global Maritime Fulcrum, advance signature projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Corridors, and fully harness the “fast track” for the movement of people to accelerate economic reopening.

The two sides need to leverage the new industries and business models buoyed by the COVID-19 response and explore new areas of cooperation to advance development in both countries and lend impetus to the regional and global economies.

China values Indonesia’s status and role in regional and international affairs. It is ready to work with Indonesia to uphold the UN-centered international system, improve global governance, safeguard international equity and justice, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Jokowi noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of Indonesia-China diplomatic relations. The two countries have maintained close exchanges despite the onset of COVID-19. He thanked China for supporting Indonesia’s fight against the virus, especially in the form of vaccine cooperation. Indonesia is keen to strengthen cooperation with China in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, and will continue to advance the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway project. He also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to working with China to uphold the basic norms of international relations, safeguard regional peace and stability, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.