Prabowo: Indonesia Is Neutral in US-China Trade Dispute

Jakarta, Xweb.biz.id – President Prabowo Subianto made it clear that Indonesia is staying neutral amid the ongoing trade war between the United States (US) and China. Both countries have been slapping high tariffs on each other’s imports, and Prabowo hopes they’ll eventually find a win-win solution.

Indonesia’s Neutral Approach

After attending the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Antalya, Turkey, on Friday (April 11, 2025), Prabowo emphasized Indonesia’s neutral stance in the US-China trade war. Both countries are major trade partners for Indonesia, and Prabowo said Indonesia values its relationships with both.

“I hope they can reach an agreement that benefits both sides,” Prabowo said.

He stressed that China and the United States are both important partners, and Indonesia wants to maintain good relations with both, acting as a neutral bridge between the two.

“We don’t take sides. We respect all nations. China is a good friend of ours, and so is the US. We want to be a bridge between them,” Prabowo added.

The Trade War Heats Up

The trade conflict between the US and China has escalated after China raised tariffs on US goods by as much as 125% in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s earlier tariffs. Trump had imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese goods.

This move came on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, along with a temporary 90-day suspension of tariffs on certain products from other countries.

Tariffs Continue to Increase

Now, nearly all trade between the US and China is subject to high tariffs. Since the US expanded its tariffs, the amount of goods affected by Chinese tariffs went from 67% to 100%.

Indonesia’s Stance on US-China Tensions

When asked if Indonesia might cut ties with China to get closer to the US, Prabowo firmly rejected that idea.

“No, we can’t cut ties. Indonesia’s relationship with China is long-established and strong. It can’t just be severed like that,” Prabowo explained.

Prabowo reiterated that Indonesia’s role is to maintain balance in international relations, especially with major powers like the US and China.

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