Presidents of Indonesia and China meet to discuss joint projects and regional politics

BEIJING -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in southwestern China for talks about joint projects that include Indonesia’s development of a new capital.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the governments of China and Indonesia signed several agreements, including to exchange knowledge and experience for the capital project. Indonesia plans to move its capital from the congested and polluted city of Jakarta on its main island of Java to Nusantara on Borneo island next year.

During their meeting in Chengdu, the two leaders also discussed investments, cooperation in areas such as health, research and technology, and regional issues, including China's relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to a statement from Widodo.

“The Indo-Pacific is a strategic area that we must protect as a peaceful and stable area,” said Indonesia's president, whose country holds the chairmanship of ASEAN this year.

Widodo is on a three-day visit to China and also plans to meet with Chinese Businesspeople to discuss possible investments in Indonesia, especially in the Petrochemical, renewable energy and Health sectors, the statement added.

He also is scheduled to attend the opening of the FISU World University Games in Chengdu.

Indonesia and China are members of the Group of 20 major developed and emerging economies. China is Indonesia’s largest trade and investment partner.

Indonesia wants a bigger role as a supplier of nickel and other raw materials to China's fast-growing electric car brands.

___

Associated Press writer Edna Tarigan contributed from Jakarta, Indonesia.