Indonesia-China Hold First 2+2 Dialogue in Beijing

KBRN, Beijing: Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono conducted an official visit to Beijing to hold a series of meetings aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), while also commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Monday (21/4/2025). One of the key agendas of Minister Sugiono’s visit was to hold the first-ever 2+2 Dialogue, alongside Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Defense Minister Dong Jun.

This meeting marked the inaugural 2+2 Dialogue format between Indonesia and China, and notably, the first ministerial-level 2+2 Dialogue that China has held with any partner country. During the dialogue, the ministers focused on political, defense, and security cooperation, as well as regional and global issues of mutual concern.

“This dialogue serves as a strategic platform to align steps, build mutual trust, and chart a new course for future Indonesia–China cooperation,” said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue (CSD) by Foreign Minister Sugiono and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. “Through the CSD, we are establishing a more comprehensive and focused bilateral mechanism to address challenges and opportunities, with emphasis on five pillars: economy, people-to-people relations, maritime, politics, and security,” explained Sugiono.

During the 2+2 Dialogue, Indonesia and China agreed to enhance cooperation in law enforcement, including mutual legal assistance, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operations to combat transnational crime, cybercrime, and extremism. As part of efforts to build strategic trust, both countries also agreed to establish a new bilateral consultation mechanism on disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control.

In the maritime sector, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation, including enhanced coordination between Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) and the China Coast Guard. “Maritime cooperation must yield tangible benefits for the people and contribute to regional maritime security,” Foreign Minister Sugiono emphasized.

On regional and global matters, the foreign and defense ministers of both countries underscored the importance of promoting reforms to the multilateral system to make it more equitable, representative, and inclusive. They reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination in multilateral forums such as ASEAN, BRICS, the G20, and the United Nations.

“Indonesia and China hold strategic positions to push for a more balanced multilateral system. We must also ensure that the reform agenda of global governance serves the interests of the Global South,” Foreign Minister Sugiono asserted.

The meeting also addressed global concerns over tariffs. Minister Sugiono expressed Indonesia’s concern regarding the impact of trade wars on the global economy and stressed the importance of dialogue to find common solutions. He further emphasized that both China and the United States are important partners for Indonesia’s development, and therefore, cooperation with both countries must be managed in a balanced and constructive manner.

In addition to the 2+2 Dialogue, Minister Sugiono held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, focusing on the follow-up of development-related economic cooperation and collaboration in the health sector.

“I encourage that Indonesia–China economic cooperation not only focus on numbers, but also include capacity building, technology transfer, and sustainability aspects,” said Minister Sugiono.

Concluding his visit in Beijing, Foreign Minister Sugiono officially opened a diplomatic reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of Indonesia–China relations, co-hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing and Bank Indonesia Beijing. During the event, special-edition stamps and envelopes celebrating the 75-year milestone were launched.

Seizing the momentum, Minister Sugiono also announced the finalization of the process to open a new Indonesian Consulate General in Chengdu in 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen diplomacy and consular services for Indonesian citizens in southwestern China.

China is Indonesia’s largest trading partner and one of its main investors supporting the national development agenda. Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China were established on April 13, 1950, and are currently at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. As a follow-up to the inaugural 2+2 Dialogue in Beijing, the ministers agreed to hold the next 2+2 Dialogue in Indonesia in 2026.

Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs