China and Indonesia have embarked on a new chapter of cooperation and mutual prosperity with the launch of Southeast Asia’s first high-speed railway. Chinese Premier Li Qiang commenced an official visit to Indonesia on September 5, where he attended key summits including the 26th China-ASEAN Summit and engaged in bilateral talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
A highlight of Premier Li’s visit was the test ride aboard the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway on September 6. The railway, stretching over 142.3 kilometers and designed to reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, dramatically reduces travel time between Jakarta and Bandung from more than three hours to just 40 minutes. This landmark project, a significant component of the Belt and Road Initiative, exemplifies the deepening bilateral cooperation between China and Indonesia.
“The advent of the high-speed railway represents a pathway towards integration, openness, and common prosperity,” Premier Li remarked. “It not only diminishes the temporal and spatial gaps between cities but also invigorates economic progress along its course.”
Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Kang expressed optimism about the railway’s impact, stating that it will “become a conduit for development and upliftment, greatly influencing people’s livelihoods and paving the way for mutually beneficial outcomes.”
During discussions with President Widodo, Premier Li proposed three suggestions aimed at fostering deeper cooperation between the two nations. These suggestions focused on strengthening strategic alignment, enhancing trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people exchanges.
The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway is expected to stimulate economic growth, boost tourism, and enhance connectivity in the region. As China and Indonesia continue to collaborate on such transformative projects, they set a precedent for regional development and integration, contributing to the broader prosperity of Asia.
Reference(s):
China-Indonesia ties: A new era of cooperation and mutual prosperity
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