China-Indonesia Ties in the New Prabowo Subianto Era

They’re still counting the votes in Indonesia after last week’s election but it’s all but certain that Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto will become the country’s next president. While some of the world’s major powers, like the U.S. and India, are holding back their official congratulations, the Chinese weren’t so reserved.

Ambassador Lu Kang went to Prabowo’s private residence on Sunday and was photographed playing with the likely president’s cat, Bobby — a clear signal Beijing is keen to build a close relationship with the new administration in Jakarta.

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by Eric Olander

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