Prabowo Joins Xi Jinping, Putin at China's Largest Military Parade
Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto joined 25 other world leaders at China’s largest military parade on Wednesday, as the Indonesian leader sought to remain close with the Asian superpower.
Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted his foreign counterparts to show them the giant arsenal that the country possesses at the major televised event taking place at Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un were the guests of honor. Xi had over 10,000 troops and hundreds of advanced weapons on display to mark 80 years since Japan’s defeat at the end of World War II.
Prabowo was seen watching the spectacle right next to Putin. During the group photo session, Prabowo stood in the front row together with Xi, Putin, and Kim.
This was not the first foreign military parade that Prabowo was part of this year. Back in July, French President Emmanuel Macron invited the ex-army general to Bastille Day, where the Indonesian military made its debut at the parade. Top trading partner China has been nudging Indonesia to purchase its J-10 fighter jets. Just a few months ago, Indonesia inked the contract to buy 48 of the Turkish-made KAAN fighter jets, reflecting Prabowo’s military modernization aim.
Prabowo had originally scrapped the Beijing trip over the unrest happening across Indonesian major cities. He even sent his chief diplomat Sugiono to go to the earlier Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on his behalf. The Indonesian leader, however, changed his mind at the very last minute, and jetted off to Beijing on Tuesday evening. State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said that the Chinese government had insisted on Prabowo participating at the parade, while adding that the unrest in the country had calmed down.
“He [Prabowo] has received reports that people are gradually returning to normal lives. And so, Mr. President [Prabowo] decided to go there to maintain good relations with China,” Prasetyo said.
Prabowo is expected to be back in Indonesia on Wednesday night.
Tags: Keywords:
as a preferred
Related Articles
Russia’s Aluminum Giant Rusal to Invest ‘Big’ in Indonesia
Prabowo says Russian aluminum giant Rusal is set to invest in an Indonesian refinery project, but the details remain scarce.
Prabowo Wants to Double Russian Trade, But Sanction Fears Persist
Business group Apindo calls on Indonesia to identify Russia-bound goods that carry low political risks amid possible Western sanctions.
Prabowo Wants Russian Oil Investment Amid Rosneft Setback
Prabowo says Indonesia welcomes Russian cooperation that "raises the productivity of oil and gas exploration".
Putin Trusts Indonesia in ASEAN
Indonesia is one of Russia's "trusted friends" in ASEAN, Putin tells Prabowo.
Prabowo Flies to Russia at Putin’s Invite
Indonesia will push for a mutually beneficial economic cooperation during Prabowo's visit to Russia, the government says.
Iran President Thanks Putin for Russia's Stance During War with US
Moscow has massively deepened military and economic ties with Iran since launching its own full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia Says No Indonesian Military Base Plan Ahead of Prabowo-Putin Talks
Russia says it has no intention of setting up a military base in Indonesia amid Biak spaceport talks and planned Prabowo's Vladivostok trip.
Prabowo Says He Stayed Away From Flores Quake Zone to Let Agencies Focus on Relief
Prabowo says he delayed his Flores quake visit to let local agencies focus on relief as the death toll reached 105.
Indonesia Stocks Plunge After Early Gains as Solar Push Takes Focus
Indonesian stocks plunge after early gains as investors track the 100 GW solar push, index changes, and Nvidia earnings.
Prabowo Sets Three-Year Target to End Indonesia’s Oil, LPG Imports
President Prabowo targets an end to oil and LPG imports within three years as Indonesia launches a 100 GW solar program requiring $73b.The Latest
Court Hears of $5,000 Fee for Expedited Hajj Slots in 2023
A former Religious Affairs Ministry staffer testified that 181 pilgrims paid $5,000 each for expedited hajj departures in 2023.
Five Journalists Reported Missing While Covering Anak Krakatau Eruption
Five journalists and two boat crew members are missing after losing contact while covering the Anak Krakatau eruption off Banten.
Trump Tariffs Cripple EU Firms’ Confidence in ASEAN
As many as 81% of the surveyed European businesses admit that the US tariffs had weakened their confidence in ASEAN.
Rupiah Strengthens to Rp17,632 on Reserve Boost
The rupiah rose 0.05% to Rp17,632 as higher foreign exchange reserves offset geopolitical risks and US inflation concerns.
Stocks Climb 1% as Indonesia’s Reserves, Airport Operations Recover
Indonesian stocks rose 1% as stronger foreign reserves and airport reopenings lifted domestic market sentiment.Most Popular
