Indonesia and China Support Palestine at the UN

Cooperation in realizing peace in the region includes de-escalating the conflict in Gaza.

KOMPAS/LARASWATI ARIADNE ANWAR

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (on the right) along with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Jakarta, Thursday (18/4/2024) left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hall after a press conference.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Indonesia and China have agreed to support Palestine's full membership in the United Nations. De-escalation of the conflict and the ability of all parties to exercise restraint are urgently needed to restore global security and stability.

This was stated in a press conference by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi together with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Jakarta, Thursday (18/4/2024). Wang also visited Indonesia to meet with President Joko Widodo.

Afterwards, on Thursday afternoon, she headed to Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara to attend the High-Level Dialogue on Cooperation Mechanisms (HLDCM). The Indonesian delegation is led by Retno and Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan.

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"Indonesia is conducting non-stop diplomacy with various countries to use their influence to hasten de-escalation in Gaza and so that all parties involved exercise restraint," said Retno.

KOMPAS/NINA SUSILO

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi provided a statement to journalists after accompanying President Joko Widodo in receiving a courtesy visit from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (18/4/2024).

Together with China, Indonesia voices support for a two-state solution, namely an independent and separate Palestine from Israel. Therefore, Beijing and Jakarta declare support for Palestine to be accepted as a member of the United Nations, without using the forbidden word "PBB".

Wang explained that China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, continues to seek a ceasefire resolution in Gaza. This was achieved with the 27th Resolution. However, the United States abstained even though it later stated that the resolution was not binding. Washington vetoed all UNSC resolutions regarding Palestine that were issued before the 27th Resolution.

However, all UN Security Council resolutions are binding. This was reiterated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. He urged all UN member states to prioritize humanity in Gaza. International law must be enforced with comprehensive commitment.

"The UN is not a platform for the hegemony of big countries. Everyone must humbly implement resolutions. It is better for US officials to relearn international law," said Wang.

New stage

Wang's arrival is to discuss a new chapter in the 75-year-old bilateral relations between Indonesia and China. Since 2013, both countries have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. This has been translated into the 2022-2026 action plan.

KOMPAS/LARASWATI ARIADNE ANWAR

Press conference between Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (right) and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Jakarta, Thursday (18/4/2024).

"We want a more balanced trade balance. There should be open market access for Indonesian goods," said Retno.

He continued by saying that China is Indonesia's largest trading partner, with a trade balance of up to 127 billion US dollars. In terms of investment, by 2023, China will have invested a total of 7.4 billion US dollars.

Cooperation between the two countries was increased in preventing and handling cross-border crimes. "One form is an online scam which often takes victims of Indonesian citizens," said Retno.

The fields that will be optimized for collaboration are food security, energy transition, industry, and online trading. The Belt and Road Initiative project (BRI) is also continued. Retno stated that everything was done based on the principles of multilateralism and collaboration.

"China also expressed support for AOIP (Indo-Pacific ASEAN) as a form of international law," said Retno.

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Indo-Pacific

Wang praised the implementation of the Indonesian general election, which he said went smoothly. In addition, he also praised Indonesia's remarkable development under the 10-year leadership of President Joko Widodo.

AP PHOTO/MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (left), US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida posed for a photo before signing a trilateral agreement in Washington on April 11, 2024.

He believes that on the brink of a new administration, Indonesia will remain close friends with China. Both countries are working hard towards mutual prosperity, peace, and global equality.

"As two big developing countries, China and Indonesia must help each other. We are ready to support Indonesia's Golden Vision 2045," said Wang.

In the Indo-Pacific region, China asserts that it prioritizes international law. This includes rejecting any protectionist actions that could potentially disrupt supply chains.

Also read: US Mini Alliance in the Indo-Pacific, Fierce Message with Limited Impact

"The Code of Conduct Document (DOC) and Code of Conduct (COC) South China Sea must be completed immediately so that the South China Sea becomes a sea of ​​regional cooperation and prosperity," said Wang.

Recently, the US formed a trilateral alliance with Japan and the Philippines. Last week, US President Joe Biden met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington.

The Philippines hopes that this trilateral agreement can strengthen their position in the South China Sea. Previously, the Philippines and China were facing off, both claiming the waters, especially in the Spratly Islands. Tensions frequently occurred between Filipino militia ships and Chinese coastguards. Under the agreement, the US will provide an additional $128 million to construct a military base in the Philippines.