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INDONESIAUPDATES.COM, News En – President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that Indonesia is neutral in the ongoing trade conflict between the United States (US) and China, which has been marked by reciprocal import tariff hikes. Prabowo expressed hope that both nations could reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
Indonesia’s Neutral Stance
Speaking after attending the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday, April 11, 2025, Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s position of neutrality in the trade dispute between the US and China. He highlighted that both countries are vital trading partners for Indonesia.
“I hope, in the end, they can reach an agreement that benefits both sides,” said Prabowo.
The Indonesian President also emphasized that China and the United States are both crucial trade partners, and Indonesia remains committed to maintaining good relations with both countries.
“We do not take sides. We respect all countries. China is a good friend of ours, as is the United States. We aim to be a bridge between the two,” he added.
Escalating US-China Trade Tensions
The trade dispute between the US and China has intensified after China imposed import tariffs of up to 125% on goods from the United States in retaliation to President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Trump had previously announced a tariff of up to 145% on Chinese products.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and included a 90-day suspension of tariffs on certain goods from other countries.
Rising Import Tariffs
Following these tariff hikes, nearly all trade goods between the US and China are now subject to high tariffs. Since the US expanded its tariffs, the proportion of goods subjected to tariffs by China surged from 67% to 100%.
Indonesia’s Position on US-China Relations
When asked whether Indonesia would sever its ties with China in order to strengthen its relationship with the United States, Prabowo firmly rejected the notion.
“No, we cannot sever cooperation. Indonesia’s relationship with China has been long-standing and strong. It cannot be severed so easily,” he explained.
Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s role as a country that seeks balance in international relations, particularly in its dealings with both the US and China.
FAQ Prabowo Asserts Indonesia’s Neutrality Amid US-China Trade War
1. What did President Prabowo say about Indonesia’s stance on the US-China trade war?
President Prabowo Subianto stated that Indonesia is neutral in the ongoing trade conflict between the United States (US) and China, emphasizing that Indonesia respects both countries and aims to act as a bridge between them.
2. Why is Indonesia maintaining a neutral stance in the US-China trade dispute?
Indonesia has strong trade relationships with both the US and China. Prabowo clarified that Indonesia values both countries as important trading partners and intends to maintain positive relations with both, without taking sides.
3. What is the impact of the trade war on global tariffs?
As of April 2025, China has imposed tariffs of up to 125% on US goods in response to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs of 145% on Chinese products. This has resulted in nearly all trade between the two countries being subject to high tariffs.
4. Does Indonesia plan to sever its relationship with China to strengthen ties with the US?
No, President Prabowo firmly rejected the idea of cutting ties with China to strengthen Indonesia’s relationship with the US, stating that Indonesia’s relationship with China has been longstanding and cannot be easily severed.
5. What is the current situation regarding the trade war between the US and China?
The US and China are currently in a heated trade dispute, with both countries imposing high tariffs on each other’s goods. The conflict has escalated in recent months, affecting global trade dynamics.
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